Configurable absorbent articles

ABSTRACT

Configurable absorbent articles are provided. The absorbent articles may comprise a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned at least partially intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent articles may comprise a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region extending intermediate the first waist region and the second waist region, and an outer cover material joined to the backsheet and forming a portion of a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article. The absorbent articles may comprise a pair of leg cuffs and a fully removable fastening member. The fastening member may comprise a first fastener on a first surface of the fastening member and positioned proximate to a first end and a second fastener on the first surface and positioned proximate to a second end. The absorbent articles may also comprise a wetness guard.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/234,540, filed onAug. 11, 2016, which claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), toU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/351,325, filed on Jun.17, 2016 and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/299,794,filed on Feb. 25, 2016, the entire disclosures of which are hereby fullyincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to configurable absorbent articles.

BACKGROUND

Absorbent articles are used to contain bodily exudates (e.g., urine andBM) in infants, children, and adults. Absorbent articles may be used inhospitals for diapering infants, premature babies, and/or NeonatalAbstinence Syndrome (“NAS”) babies. Premature babies, NAS babies, orother small infants may require special care by nurses and otherhospital staff. These babies are oftentimes on ventilators, feedingtubes, or other life support or monitoring systems. In some instances,the babies may be positioned within incubators, also known as isolets.The babies are typically kept in high humidity, sterile environments asthey have very delicate skin that needs to be protected. It is importantto the health of these premature babies that they not be handled toomuch and that they are maintained in a very sterile environment.Handling the babies too much may cause them stress. Current absorbentarticles for premature or NAS babies are somewhat difficult to use andtoo large for very premature babies, especially in the crotch region.When the current absorbent articles are folded about their lateral axis,they typically take on a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape,thereby providing a wide crotch region. Additionally, current absorbentarticles for premature and NAS babies do not provide superiorcontainment of bodily exudates and skin protection from the bodilyexudates. Further, the current absorbent articles do not provide all ofthe features that premature or NAS baby caregivers may view asbeneficial. As such, absorbent articles for premature babies, NASbabies, other babies, and other wearers need to be improved.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides configurable absorbent articles suitablefor premature and NAS babies (and other small infants, other babies, orother wearers), while not being limited to any certain sizes or uses. Asdiscussed above, one issue with current absorbent articles is that theyare not configured for the specific needs of premature or NAS babies, insome instances, forcing nurses to handle these babies more than thenurses' desire. The configurable absorbent articles of the presentdisclosure overcome the disadvantages of current premature and/or NASbaby absorbent articles by providing very narrow crotch regions, narrowchassis regions, small overall dimensions, soft skin-contactingsurfaces, front and back umbilical cord notches (in some forms to createa reversible absorbent article), front and back reverse umbilical cordprojections (in some forms to create a reversible absorbent article),discrete and detachable fastening members (to allow nurses to configurethe absorbent articles as needed and have fastening flexibility), one ormore wetness guards, and/or low opacity outer cover nonwovens and/orbacksheets, for example. The discrete and detachable fastening membersmay have slots or apertures formed therein, so that tubes or hoses usedto aid or monitor the health of the premature or NAS babies may beinserted therethrough without disturbing the baby or without the needfor moving the baby. These slots or apertures may also help hold thetubes or hoses in place. Low opacity backsheets and/or outer covernonwoven materials may be helpful in identifying when the absorbentarticle needs changed without the need for moving the babies. In someforms, the configurable absorbent articles of the present disclosure mayallow for use without any fastening members, owing to the discrete anddetachable fastening members. This may be desired by nurses in someinstances and may reduce the need to touch or move the baby.Furthermore, the absorbent articles of the present disclosure may alsobe reversible to allow the nurse to apply the absorbent article ashe/she desires or as is needed. Absorbent materials in absorbent coresof the absorbent articles may be homogeneous to allow for reversibleuse. Further, the absorbent cores may have an extended hourglass shapeto help narrow the crotch region and provide for more fit options andleg placements.

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may comprise one ormore wetness guards. The wetness guards may comprise one or more liquidimpermeable materials, such as films or nonwoven materials, and one ormore non-film materials, such as one or more nonwoven materials. Thewetness guards may be positioned in areas of the absorbent articles thatcome into contact with a baby's lower back, waist, and/or legs, but notbe positioned where a crotch area of the baby contacts the absorbentarticle. The non-film material may face toward the baby to providecomfort, while the liquid impermeable material may face away from thebaby. The wetness guards may accomplish at least two functions. First,when a baby urinates, the urine is typically wicked away from the pointof entry into the absorbent core throughout the absorbent core (bothlaterally and longitudinally). This may cause areas of the absorbent padwhere the baby's lower back, waist, and/or legs are to be wet. Thewetness guards provide a barrier between the wet areas and the baby'slower back, waist, and/or legs thereby leading to improved skin healthfor the baby. Second, the wetness guards may comprise soft non-filmmaterials facing the baby's skin. As such, the baby's lower back, waist,and/or legs may rest on a soft, comfortable material again leading toimproved skin health.

These and other advantages of the configurable absorbent articles of thepresent disclosure are set forth herein in greater detail.

The present disclosure is directed, in part, to an absorbent articlecomprising a central lateral axis, a central longitudinal axis, a firstend edge, a second end edge opposing the first end edge, a first sideedge, a second side edge opposing the first side edge, a first waistregion on a first side of the central lateral axis, a second waistregion on a second side of the central lateral axis, and a crotch regionextending intermediate the first waist region and the second waistregion and crossing the central lateral axis. The absorbent articlecomprises a liquid permeable, apertured or nonapertured topsheet. Thetopsheet may be hydrophobic or hydrophilic, or may have hydrophilic orhydrophobic portions or layers. The absorbent article comprises a liquidimpermeable backsheet, an acquisition material, and an absorbent corepositioned at least partially intermediate the acquisition material andthe liquid impermeable backsheet. The absorbent core comprises anabsorbent material. The absorbent material may have a first width, in adirection parallel to the central lateral axis, in the first waistregion. The absorbent material may have a second width, in the directionparallel to the lateral axis, in the second waist region. The absorbentmaterial may have a third width, in the direction parallel to thelateral axis, in the crotch region. The first width and the second widthmay be greater than the third width and the first and second widths maybe the same, substantially the same, or different. The absorbent articlecomprises a pair of leg cuffs positioned proximal to the first andsecond side edges. The absorbent article comprises a first wetness guardin the first waist region. The first wetness guard may comprise a firstliquid impermeable material in a facing relationship with the topsheetand a second liquid permeable material forming a first portion of awearer-facing surface of the absorbent article. The absorbent articlemay comprise a second wetness guard in the second waist region. Thesecond wetness guard may comprise a third liquid impermeable material ina facing relationship with the topsheet and a fourth liquid permeablematerial forming a second portion of the wearer-facing surface of theabsorbent article. The absorbent article may comprise a removablefastening member comprising a first surface, a second surface oppositeto the first surface, a first end, a second end opposite to the firstend, a first fastener comprising a first plurality of hooks on the firstsurface and positioned proximate to the first end, and a second fastenercomprising a second plurality of hooks on the first surface andpositioned proximate to the second end.

The present disclosure is directed, in part, to an absorbent articlecomprising a central lateral axis, a central longitudinal axis, a firstend edge, a second end edge opposing the first end edge, a first sideedge, a second side edge opposing the first side edge, a first waistregion on a first side of the central lateral axis, a second waistregion on a second side of the central lateral axis, and a crotch regionextending intermediate the first waist region and the second waistregion and crossing the central lateral axis. The absorbent articlecomprises a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet,and an absorbent core positioned at least partially intermediate thetopsheet and the liquid impermeable backsheet. The absorbent corecomprises an absorbent material. The absorbent material may have a firstwidth, in a direction parallel to the central lateral axis, in the firstwaist region. The absorbent material may have a second width, in thedirection parallel to the lateral axis, in the second waist region. Theabsorbent material may have a third width, in the direction parallel tothe lateral axis, in the crotch region. The first width and the secondwidth may be greater than the third width. The first and second widthsmay the same, substantially the same, or different. The absorbentarticle comprises a pair of leg cuffs positioned proximal to the firstand second side edges and a first wetness guard in the first waistregion. The first wetness guard may comprise a first liquid impermeablematerial in a facing relationship with the topsheet and a second liquidpermeable material forming a first portion of a wearer-facing surface ofthe absorbent article. The absorbent article may comprise a secondwetness guard in the second waist region. The second wetness guard maycomprise a third liquid impermeable material in a facing relationshipwith the topsheet and a fourth liquid permeable material forming asecond portion of the wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article.The absorbent article may comprise a removable fastening membercomprising a first surface, a second surface opposite to the firstsurface, a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, a firstfastener comprising a first plurality of hooks on the first surface andpositioned proximate to the first end, and a second fastener comprisinga second plurality of hooks on the first surface and positionedproximate to the second end.

The present disclosure is directed, in part, to an absorbent articlecomprising a central lateral axis, a central longitudinal axis, a firstend edge, a second end edge opposing the first end edge, a first sideedge, a second side edge opposing the first side edge, a first waistregion on a first side of the central lateral axis, a second waistregion on a second side of the central lateral axis, and a crotch regionextending intermediate the first waist region and the second waistregion and crossing the central lateral axis. The absorbent article maycomprise a liquid permeable, apertured or non-apertured topsheet. Thetopsheet may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic, or may have hydrophobic orhydrophilic portions or layers. The absorbent article may comprise aliquid impermeable backsheet, an acquisition material, and an absorbentcore positioned at least partially intermediate the acquisition materialand the liquid impermeable backsheet. The absorbent core comprises anabsorbent material. The absorbent material may have a first width, in adirection parallel to the central lateral axis, in the first waistregion. The absorbent material may have a second width, in the directionparallel to the lateral axis, in the second waist region. The absorbentmaterial may have a third width, in the direction parallel to thelateral axis, in the crotch region. The first width and the second widthmay be greater than the third width. The first width and the secondwidth may be the same, substantially the same, or different. Theabsorbent article comprises a pair of leg cuffs positioned proximal tothe first and second side edges, respectively, and a first wetness guardin the first waist region. The first wetness guard may comprise a firstliquid impermeable material in a facing relationship with the topsheetand a second liquid permeable material forming a first portion of awearer-facing surface of the absorbent article. The absorbent articlemay comprise a second wetness guard in the second waist region. Thesecond wetness guard may comprise a third liquid impermeable material ina facing relationship with the topsheet and a fourth liquid permeablematerial forming a second portion of the wearer-facing surface of theabsorbent article. The first wetness guard overlaps a first portion ofthe absorbent core and the second wetness guard overlaps a second,different portion of the absorbent core. The first wetness guard may bea discrete component that is joined to a first portion of the topsheetand/or first portions of the leg cuffs. The second wetness guard may bea discrete component that is joined to a second portion of the topsheetand/or second portions of the leg cuffs. The absorbent article maycomprise a removable fastening member comprising a first surface, asecond surface opposite to the first surface, a first end, a second endopposite to the first end, a first fastener comprising a first pluralityof hooks on the first surface and positioned proximate to the first end,and a second fastener comprising a second plurality of hooks on thefirst surface and positioned proximate to the second end. The absorbentarticle comprises an outer cover material joined to a non-absorbent corefacing side of the backsheet. The outer cover material or the backsheetmay comprise a first graphic in the first waist region. The outer covermaterial or the backsheet may comprise a second graphic in the secondwaist region. The second graphic may be a mirror image of the firstgraphic relative to the central longitudinal axis to indicatereversibility of the absorbent article to a caregiver.

The various absorbent articles may be placed in packages. The packagesmay be sold in arrays or on-line arrays.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as formingthe present invention, it is believed that the invention will be betterunderstood from the following description which is taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which the designations are used todesignate substantially identical elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an example absorbent of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an example absorbent article of the presentdisclosure, wearer-facing surface facing the viewer;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the absorbent article of FIG. 2, garment-facingsurface facing the viewer;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article of FIG. 2,taken about line 4-4;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an example absorbent core for the absorbentarticles of the present disclosure having an extended hourglass shape;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of another absorbent article of the presentdisclosure, wearer-facing surface facing the viewer;

FIG. 7 is a left side view of an example absorbent article comprising adiscrete fastening member of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is another left side view of an example absorbent article of thepresent disclosure without a discrete fastening member;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example absorbent article of thepresent disclosure comprising crotch folds created by crotch narrowingjoints;

FIG. 9A is a plan view of an example absorbent of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an example absorbent article of the presentdisclosure illustrating crotch notches;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of an example absorbent article of the presentdisclosure, wearer-facing surface facing the viewer, and comprising twowetness guards;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example absorbent article of thepresent disclosure, wearer-facing surface facing the viewer, andillustrating wetness guards;

FIG. 13 a is plan view of an example absorbent article of the presentdisclosure, wearer-facing surface facing the viewer, and illustratingtwo wetness guard configurations;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of an example absorbent article of the presentdisclosure, wearer-facing surface facing the viewer, and illustratingtwo wetness guard configurations;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of an example discrete wetness guard for use withthe absorbent article of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of an example absorbent article of the presentdisclosure, wearer-facing surface facing the viewer, and illustratingtwo wetness guard configurations;

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of how the sleeve type wetness guardof FIG. 16 would surround a portion of an absorbent article;

FIG. 18 is a plan view of an example of a discrete fastening member foran absorbent article of the present disclosure, garment-facing surfacefacing the viewer;

FIG. 19 is a plan view of an example of a discrete fastening member foran absorbent article of the present disclosure, wearer-facing surfacefacing the viewer;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the discrete fastening member takenabout line 20-20 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a plan view of an example of a discrete fastening member foran absorbent article of the present disclosure, garment-facing surfacefacing the viewer;

FIG. 22 is a plan view of an example of a discrete fastening member foran absorbent article of the present disclosure, wearer-facing surfacefacing the viewer;

FIG. 23 is a plan view of an example absorbent article of the presentdisclosure having umbilical cord notches;

FIG. 24 is a plan view of the example absorbent article of FIG. 23,garment-facing surface facing the viewer;

FIG. 25 is a plan view of an example absorbent article of the presentdisclosure having umbilical cord projections;

FIG. 26 is a plan view of the example absorbent article of FIG. 25,garment-facing surface facing the viewer;

FIGS. 27-29 are schematic illustrations of absorbent articles showinggraphics and/or indicia, with their garment-facing surfaces facing theviewer;

FIG. 30 is a plan view of an example insert positioned on awearer-facing surface of an absorbent article;

FIG. 31 is a plan view of an example insert for use with an absorbentarticle;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional example illustration of the insert, takenabout line 32-32 of FIG. 31;

FIG. 32A is another cross-sectional example illustration of the insert,taken about line 32A-32A of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a plan view of another example insert for use with anabsorbent article;

FIG. 34 is a plan view of another example insert for use with anabsorbent article;

FIG. 35 is a plan view of an example absorbent article, wearer-facingsurface facing the viewer;

FIG. 36 is a perspective side view photograph of an example absorbentarticle;

FIG. 37 is a plan view of an example absorbent article, wearer-facingsurface facing the viewer;

FIG. 38 is a front perspective view of an example absorbent article;

FIG. 39 is a side perspective view of an example absorbent article;

FIG. 40 is a plan view of an example absorbent article, wearer-facingsurface facing the viewer;

FIG. 41 is a plan view of an example absorbent article, wearer-facingsurface facing the viewer;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view photograph of an absorbent article withfolded over cuffs, wearer-facing surface facing away from the surface onwhich the absorbent article is resting;

FIG. 43 is a plan view of an absorbent article with folded over cuffs;

FIG. 44 is an example cross-sectional view of the absorbent articleprior to the cuffs being folded toward the longitudinal axis;

FIG. 45 is an example end view of the absorbent article of FIG. 43before any tack down bonds are applied;

FIG. 46 is a top view of an instrument used in the Crotch CompressionForce Measurement Test; and

FIG. 47 is a side view the instrument used in the Crotch CompressionForce measurement Test.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various non-limiting forms of the present disclosure will now bedescribed to provide an overall understanding of the principles of thestructure, function, manufacture, and use of the configurable absorbentarticles disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limitingforms are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will understand that the configurable absorbentarticles specifically described herein and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings are non-limiting example forms and that the scopeof the various non-limiting forms of the present disclosure are definedsolely by the claims. The features illustrated or described inconnection with one non-limiting form may be combined with the featuresof other non-limiting forms. Such modifications and variations areintended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the terms “join” and “joined” encompass configurationswhereby an element is directly secured to another element by affixingthe element directly to the other element, and configurations whereby anelement is indirectly secured to another element by affixing the elementto intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the otherelement.

As used herein, the term “array” means a display of packages comprisingdisposable absorbent articles of different sizes having like articleconstructions. Packages for the absorbent articles have the same brandand/or sub-brand, and the packages are oriented in proximity to eachother in a given area of a retail store. An array is marketed as aline-up of products normally having like packaging elements (e.g.,packaging material type, film, paper, dominant color, design theme,etc.) that conveys to consumers that the different individual packagesare part of a larger line-up. Arrays often have the same brand, forexample, “Pampers®”. In other instances, the arrays may have brands fromthe same manufacturer, such as “Pampers®”and “Luvs®”, for example.

Arrays also often have the same trademarks, including trademarks of thebrand, sub-brand, and/or features and/or benefits across a line-up.

As used herein, the term “on-line array” means an “array” distributed bya common on-line source.

Configurable absorbent articles that provide improved fit, more flexibleapplication options, narrow crotch regions, bodily exudate containmentand improved skin health for premature, NAS, and other babies (or otherwearers) are provided herein. FIG. 1 is a plan view of an absorbentarticle 10 folded about its lateral axis, garment-facing surface of afirst waist region or a front waist region facing the viewer. FIG. 2 isa plan view of the absorbent article 10 of FIG. 1, with the absorbentarticle 10 laid flat with the elastics extended, wearer-facing surfacefacing the viewer. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the absorbent article 10 ofFIG. 2, with the absorbent article 10 laid flat with the elasticsextended, garment-facing surface facing the viewer. FIG. 4 is across-sectional view of the absorbent article 10 of FIG. 2, taken aboutline 4-4. The absorbent article 10 may comprise a lateral axis 12, alongitudinal axis 14, a first waist region or a front waist region 16, asecond waist region or a back waist region 18, and a crotch region 20.In a reversible absorbent article, the “first” and “second” waistregions 16 and 18 may be referred to in the claims since the absorbentarticle can be applied in either direction. The absorbent article 10 mayhave a first wetness guard 22 and a second wetness guard 24. In someinstances, only one wetness guard may be provided on the absorbentarticles of the present disclosure. The single wetness guard may beprovided on either side of the lateral axis 12 of the absorbent articles10. The absorbent articles 10 may also comprise cuffs 26 or raisedbarriers for containing bodily exudates so that they may be absorbed byan absorbent core.

The absorbent articles 10 may comprise a first end edge 28 on a firstside of the lateral axis 12 and a second end edge 30 on a second side ofthe lateral axis 12. The absorbent articles 10 may comprise a first sideedge 32 on a first side of the central longitudinal axis 14 and a secondside edge 34 on a second side of the central longitudinal axis 14. Theabsorbent articles 10 may comprise a liquid permeable material or liquidpermeable topsheet 36, a liquid impermeable material or liquidimpermeable backsheet 38, and an absorbent core 40 positioned at leastpartially intermediate the topsheet 36 and the backsheet 38.

The topsheet 36, the backsheet 38, and the absorbent core 40 may bemanufactured of any suitable materials. Suitable topsheet materials maycomprise porous foams, reticulated foams, apertured plastic films, orwoven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers),synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers),non-apertured material, apertured materials, apertured nonwovenmaterials, apertured nonwoven materials that are produced using anoverbonding and ring rolling process, or a material having a combinationof natural and synthetic fibers. Spunbond high loft materials may alsobe used, whether apertured or non-apertured. The topsheet 36 may have anembossed pattern, graphics, patterned, indicia, and/or three-dimensionalfeatures, either along with or instead of apertures. In some instances,the topsheet 36 may be a planar topsheet. In other instances, thetopsheet may be a topsheet like that disclosed in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2015/0250662, to Isele et al., filed on Mar.2, 2015 or in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0136014, toArora et al., filed on Nov. 5, 2015. The topsheet may be hydrophobic orhydrophilic. If the topsheet is apertured, it may be desirably to havethe topsheet by hydrophobic.

Suitable backsheet materials may comprise breathable materials or highlybreathable materials that permit vapors to escape from the absorbentarticle 10 while still preventing, or at least inhibiting, bodilyexudates from passing through the backsheet 34 (i.e., liquid impermeablematerials). Such materials may comprise nonwoven materials, wovenmaterials, films, and/or laminates comprising a combination of one ormore of these materials. Other backsheet materials may be non-breathablematerials, such as films, for example.

One measure of the breathability of a backsheet or backsheet/outer covernonwoven material laminate is the perviousness of the backsheet or thelaminate to the passage of water vapor, reflected by the moisture vaportransmission rate (MVTR) of the backsheet or laminate. The MVTR of thelaminate or backsheet may be in the range of about 500 g/m²/24 hr toabout 5000 g/m²/24 hr, about 1000 g/m²/24 hr to about 4000 g/m²/24 hr,or about 2000 g/m²/24 hr to about 3000 g/m²/24 hr, specifically recitingall 0.1 g/m²/24 hr increments within the above-referenced ranges and allranges formed therein or thereby.

The MVTR can be determined by placing a quantity of a hydrophilicmaterial, such as calcium chloride, into a non-porous, open-top vessel(not shown) having an outwardly-extending flange around the vesselopening. A portion of the material for which the MVTR is to bedetermined is placed in overlying relationship relative to the vesselopening and is in contact with the flange of the vessel to completelycover the open end of the vessel. An annular gasket and an annularretaining ring are then placed over the material to be tested and aresecurely clamped to the vessel flange by any convenient clampingarrangement, to tightly and completely seal the periphery of the vesselopening in order that transmission of air or moisture vapor can onlyoccur through the material being tested. The resulting assembly is thenweighed to determine the initial weight of the vessel and its contents.

After the initial weight has been determined, the assembly is placed ina chamber having a constant temperature (40° C.) and a constant humidity(75% relative humidity). The vessel is maintained under thoseatmospheric conditions for a period of five (5) hours, after which it isremoved from the chamber, wrapped tightly with an impervious film toprevent transfer of moisture into and out of the vessel, and is allowedto reach thermal equilibrium with the ambient atmosphere in which theweigh balance is located. Thermal equilibrium is achieved in about 30minutes, after which the film overwrap is removed from the vessel, whichis again weighed to determine the final weight of the vessel and itscontents.

The MVTR is calculated by the following formula, which provides the MVTRin g/m²/24 hr:

${MVTR} = \frac{\left( {{{Final}\mspace{14mu} {{Wt}({gm})}} - {{Initial}\mspace{14mu} {{Wt}({gm})}}} \right) \times 24.0}{{Sample}\mspace{14mu} {Area}\mspace{14mu} \left( {{sq}.\mspace{14mu} {meters}} \right) \times 5.0\mspace{14mu} {{hr}.}}$

A suitable absorbent core 40 for use in the absorbent articles 10 of thepresent disclosure may comprise any absorbent material 42 which isgenerally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer'sskin, and capable of absorbing and retaining bodily exudates. Inaddition, the configuration and construction of the absorbent core 40may also be varied (e.g., the absorbent core(s) or other absorbentstructure(s) may have varying caliper zones, hydrophilic gradient(s), asuperabsorbent gradient(s), or lower average density and lower averagebasis weight acquisition zones; or may comprise one or more layers orstructures). In other instances, the configuration and construction ofthe absorbent core 40 may be uniform and homogeneous, such that theabsorbent article 10 can be reversible. In such an instance, theabsorbent material 42 may be uniform and homogeneous (i.e., notprofiled). In some forms, the absorbent core 40 may have an hourglassshape, an extended hourglass shape, or rectangular shape, for example.FIG. 5 is a plan view of an example absorbent core 40 having an extended(extended about the longitudinal axis 14) hourglass shape. In aninstance, the absorbent material 42 may have an hourglass shape and theabsorbent core 40 may be rectangular (i.e., the core bag is rectangularand the absorbent material 42 has an hourglass shape). The absorbentmaterial 42 and/or the absorbent core 40 as a whole (including the corebag) may have a first width, in a direction parallel to the lateral axis12, in the first waist region 16, may have a second width, in thedirection parallel to the lateral axis 12, in the second waist region18, and may have a third width, in the direction parallel to the lateralaxis 12, in the crotch region 20. The first and second widths may begreater than the third width. The first and second widths may be thesame, substantially the same, or different. In some instances, theabsorbent material 42 may have the shape illustrated in FIG. 5 that isthen surrounded by a rectangular core bag.

The absorbent material 42 may comprise superabsorbent polymers, foams,air-felt (cellulosic material), or mixtures thereof. In some forms theabsorbent material 42 may comprise less than 30%, less than 35%, lessthan 40%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 80%, atleast 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97%, at least 98%, atleast 99%, or 100% superabsorbent polymers, by weight of the absorbentmaterial. In other forms, the absorbent material 42 may only compriseair-felt and may be free of, or substantially free of (e.g., less than5% by weight of the absorbent material) any superabsorbent polymers. Theabsorbent material 42 may have air-felt and less than 15% ofsuperabsorbent polymers, less than 10% of superabsorbent polymers, lessthan 5% of superabsorbent polymers, less than 3% of superabsorbentpolymers, or less than 1% of superabsorbent polymers. In other forms,the absorbent material 42 may comprise a mixture of air-felt andsuperabsorbent polymers (e.g., 30% to 70% air-felt and 30% to 70%superabsorbent polymers).

Referring to FIG. 4, the absorbent material 42 may be enclosed in a corebag 44. The core bag 44 may comprise a first substrate 46 at leastpartially on a first side of the absorbent material 42 and a secondsubstrate 48 at least partially on a second side of the absorbentmaterial 42. The first substrate 46 may form a C-wrap around portions ofthe absorbent material 42 and the second material 48 to enclose theabsorbent material 42. In other instances, the core wrap may have anysuitable configuration known to those of skill in the art. In someforms, the absorbent core 40 may comprise one or more absorbent materialfree areas or channels, or substantially absorbent material free areas(e.g., areas with substantially no superabsorbent polymers or air-felt).In this instance, the first substrate 46 may be joined, bonded, or gluedto the second substrate 48 in these areas or channels. In other forms,channels may be embossed into the absorbent core 40. Some examplechannel and absorbent core configurations are described in furtherdetail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,979,815, 9,216,118, and 9,216,116.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the absorbent articles 10 may comprise oneor more acquisition materials 50. The absorbent articles 10 may alsocomprise one or more optional distribution materials 51 (FIG. 4) eitherbetween the topsheet 32 and the acquisition material 50 or between theacquisition material 50 and core bag 44. In some instance, theacquisition material 50 and/or the distribution material 51 may extendthe full width and/or length of the core bag 44. In other instances, theacquisition material 50 and/or distribution material 51 may extend lessthan the full width and/or length of the core bag 44. The acquisitionmaterial 50 or the distribution material 51 may have a rectangularshape, an hourglass shape, or an extended hourglass shape, for example.The acquisition material 50 may be used to aid the topsheet 36 inacquiring bodily exudates and moving the bodily exudates into theabsorbent core 40. The distribution material 51, if provided, may helpthe absorbent articles 10 distribute bodily exudates above the absorbentcore 40. As an example, the acquisition material may be a nonwovenmaterial and the distribution material may be cross-linked cellulosicfibers, tissue, or another nonwoven material, for example. In someinstances, only an acquisition material may be provided, only adistribution may be provided, or neither may be provided depending onthe desired properties of a particular absorbent article.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the pair of cuffs 26 may extend at leastpartially between, or fully between, the first end edge 28 and thesecond end edge 30. The cuffs 26 may or may not have one or moreelastics 52. In some instances, if the cuffs 26 do not have elastics 52they may be pre-strained prior to being joined to the absorbent articles10 so that they may still stand (i.e., extend upwardly) relative to thetopsheet 36. In other instances, the cuffs 26 that are free of elasticsmay not be pre-strained. In some instances, only a single pair of cuffsmay be provided to aid in helping narrow the crotch region 20. In someforms, referring to FIG. 6, a second pair of cuffs 27 may be provided inaddition to the first pair of cuffs 26. In an instance, the second pairof cuffs 27 may be free of elastics and may or may not be pre-strained.In other instances, each of the cuffs 26 or 27 may have one or moreelastics 52 and 53, respectively. The elastics 52 and/or 53 may causethe cuffs to stand (i.e., extend upwardly) relative to the topsheet 36.The elastics 52 and 53 may have any suitable length along thelongitudinal axis 14. In a form, the cuffs 26 (or 27) may each havethree longitudinally extending folds (labeled F in FIG. 4) to allow themto stand and extend a suitable distance from the topsheet 36. Glue orbonding of the cuffs is indicated at 54 in FIG. 4. In other forms, thecuffs 26 or 27 may have any suitable configuration. The cuffs generallyaid bodily exudate containment to the area of the absorbent core 40 andreduce side edge leakage. Contracted and/or standing portions of thecuffs 26 and/or 27 may be more prominent on a first side of the lateralaxis 12 or the second side of the lateral axis 14. In other instances,the contracted and/or standing portions of the cuffs 26 and/or 27 may bethe same on both sides of the central lateral axis 12. In someinstances, the cuffs 26 and/or 27 may extend the same distance on eachside of the central lateral axis 12. In some instances, the absorbentarticles 10 may not comprise any cuffs.

In other instances, the absorbent articles 10 may not comprise anycuffs, but some form of raised barriers may be used in their place. Apair of raised barriers may be attached to the topsheet 36, positionedunder the topsheet 36, or formed from a portion of the topsheet 36and/or acquisition or distribution materials. The raised barriers maycomprise flexible foams, liquid impermeable materials, nonwovenmaterials, films, and/or other suitable materials. The raised barriersmay be “raised” relative to the topsheet 36 and may act in a similarfashion as the cuffs 26 and 27, thereby causing bodily exudates toremain over the absorbent core 40 such that they can be absorbed by theabsorbent core 40. The raised barriers may have any suitable thicknessmeasured in a direction parallel to the lateral axis 12, such as 2 mm to10 mm, for example. In some instances, one raised barrier may beprovided and this single raised barrier may fully surround, or partiallysurround, the absorbent core 40 or portions thereof. The raised barriersmay be raised a suitable amount from the topsheet 36 to contain thebodily exudates within the absorbent articles 10, such as in the rangeof 1 mm to 30 mm, or 2 mm to 20 mm, for example. Further detailsregarding raised barriers, including example structures and shape can befound in U.S. Patent Appin. Publ. No. 2014/0171898 to Greening II, etal. The raised barriers may be used with at least one pair of cuffs aswell for better containment. The cuffs may be positioned laterallyinboard or laterally outboard of the raised barriers. The raisedbarriers or the cuffs 26, 27 may be referred to as “bodily exudatecontainment means”.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, an outer cover nonwoven material 58 maybe positioned on a non-absorbent core-facing side of the backsheet 38.The outer cover nonwoven material 58 may be joined to the backsheet 38using an adhesive 56, for example. The outer cover nonwoven material 58may be formed of one or more layers and typically may be a softmaterial. The outer cover nonwoven material 58 may comprise a pluralityof bonds, embossments, or three-dimensional features to provide a moreconsumer appealing appearance or for other reasons.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the absorbent article of FIG. 1 with afastening member 100. FIG. 8 is a side view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1 without the fastening member 100. FIG. 9 is a perspective view ofthe absorbent article of FIG. 1, garment-facing surface facing theviewer.

Referring to Figs, 2, 3, and 6-9, the absorbent articles 10 of thepresent disclosure may comprise a pair of crotch narrowing joints 60 inthe crotch region 20. In other forms, only one side of the crotch region20 may comprise a crotch narrowing joint 60. The crotch narrowing joints60 may be created when a wearer-facing portion of the outer covernonwoven material 58 or a wearer-facing portion of the cuffs 26 or 27(if a second set of cuffs is provided) is joined to a standing portionor other portion of the cuffs 26 or 27 (if a second set of cuffs isprovided) or to a portion of the topsheet 36. The joint may be anadhesive bond, a mechanical bond, a thermal bond, and/or any othersuitable type of bond, or joinder. In other instances, the crotchnarrowing joints 60 may be formed by joining a wearer-facing portion ofthe backsheet 38 (or laminate comprising the backsheet 38 and outercover nonwoven material 58) to a portion of the cuffs 26 or 27 or to aportion of the topsheet 36. In any event, portions of the outer covernonwoven material 58 proximate to the first and second side edges 32 and34 may be joined directly or indirectly to a portion of the cuffs 26 or27 or a portion of the topsheet 36. By providing these crotch narrowingjoints 60, the absorbent articles 10 are able to achieve a narrow foldedcrotch width, (“W” in FIG. 1) at or proximate to the lateral axis 12.This narrow folded crotch width may be especially important forpremature babies for a number of reasons. First, smaller babies haveless space in between their legs. Thus, the smaller the folded crotchwidth, the better the absorbent articles will fit them without applyingany leg separating forces on their legs, thereby allowing the legs torest in a comfortable position, such as near the body midline, forexample. Second, in a typical diaper, the inner thigh areas of the legsof the baby may be in contact with portions of the cuffs and/or thebacksheet. In the absorbent articles 10 of the present disclosure thebaby's inner thigh areas may be in contact with portions of the cuffs 26and/or 27 and portions of the soft outer cover nonwoven material 58,thereby providing a more comfortable wearer experience and at timesreducing inner thigh chafing.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the crotch narrowing joints 60 cause portions ofthe crotch region 20 to fold inwardly toward the longitudinal axis 14,when the elastics of the cuffs are at least partially relaxed, therebycreating crotch folds 61. Referring to FIG. 1, these crotch folds 61provide for the narrow folded crotch width W. The crotch folds 61 alsoprovide the absorbent article 10 with angled portions 63 in the crotchregion 20. The angled portions 63 may have an angle in the range ofabout 10 degrees to about 80 degrees, about 15 degrees to about 75degrees, about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees, about 30 degrees to about60 degrees, about 40 degrees to about 60 degrees, relative to thelateral axis 12, specifically reciting all 0.1 degree increments withinthe specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Allangles are measured according to the Folded Crotch Angle Test herein.

Referring to FIG. 5, in addition to the crotch narrowing joints 60, theabsorbent core 40 may have an extended hourglass shape with leg notches62 elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 14. Thisfeature allows for the legs (“L”) to be positioned at multiple locationswithin the leg notches 62 to fit different wearers and situations. Thelegs of a wearer, for example, may be positioned more proximate to afirst end edge 41 or more proximate to a second end edge 43 of theabsorbent core 40 to suit certain situations or positions of the baby.As referenced above, the acquisition materials 50 and/or distributionmaterials 51 may have a similar shape or a different shape. Theabsorbent core 40 may have a width measured along its lateral axis 12′in the range of about 5 mm to about 300 mm, about 10 mm to about 100 mm,about 15 mm to about 75 mm, about 15 mm to about 40 mm, about 15 mm toabout 25 mm, or about 20 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm incrementswithin the specified range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Theabsorbent core 40 may have a width measured along either the first endedge 41 or the second end edge 43 in the range of about 15 mm to about500 mm, about 20 mm to about 300 mm, about 25 mm to about 100 mm, about30 mm to about 50 mm, about 35 mm to about 40 mm, or about 38 mm,specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the specified rangeand all ranges formed therein or thereby.

In some forms, referring to FIG. 10, instead of the crotch narrow jointsbeing provided, crotch notches 64 may be cut out of the absorbentarticles 10, absorbent cores 40 thereof, and/or other components thereof(e.g., acquisition material 50) in areas proximate to the lateral axis12. In other forms, the crotch notches 64 may instead be formed incomponents of the absorbent articles before or during manufacture. Thecrotch notches 64 may have any suitable size and shape to achieve anarrow folded crotch width. Some example shapes are illustrated in FIG.10. The crotch notches 64 may be formed in the topsheet, the backsheet,the acquisition material, the outer cover nonwoven material, and/orportions of the cuffs, for example. The crotch notches 64 may be usedwith the hourglass or extended hourglass shaped absorbent coresdisclosed herein. The acquisition material 50 and/or distributionmaterial may also be hourglass shaped, for example. The crotch notches64 may be cut out so that a chassis of the absorbent article ishourglass shaped, or has an extended (along the longitudinal axis 14)hourglass shape.

The crotch narrowing joints 60 may be an optional feature. It has beendiscovered that a narrow Folded Crotch Width, in some instances, maystill be achieved even without the crotch narrowing joints 60. Thisnarrow Folded Crotch Width may be attributable to the elongatedhourglass shapes of the absorbent core (see FIG. 5) in combination withelastic contraction from at least one pair of leg cuffs 26, and possiblyfrom two pairs of leg cuffs 26 and 27. In such an instance, theabsorbent article, in a folded configuration, may take on the exampleshape of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9A illustrates the narrow Folded Crotch Width as“W”.

The folded crotch width, (i.e., W in FIG. 1) measured according to theFolded Crotch Width Test herein, may be less than about 150 mm, lessthan about 100 mm, less than about 75 mm, less than about 50 mm, lessthan about 45 mm, less than about 50 mm, less than about 40 mm, lessthan about 35 mm, less than about 30 mm, less than about 25 mm, lessthan about 20 mm, or less than about 15 mm, depending on the size of theabsorbent article 10. The folded crotch width, measured according to theFolded Crotch Width Test herein, may be in the range of about 10 mm toabout 150 mm, about 10 mm to about 100 mm, about 10 mm to about 75 mm,about 15 mm to about 50 mm, about 15 mm to about 45 mm, less than 45 mm,less than 40 mm, less than 35 mm, about 20 mm to about 40 mm, about 25mm to about 35 mm, or about 15 mm to about 30 mm, for example,specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the above-specifiedranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

As discussed above, referring to Figs, 2, 4, 6, and 11, one or morewetness guards 22, 24 may be provided on the absorbent article 10. Ingeneral, the wetness guards 22 and 24 are provided to establish abarrier between the lower back, waist, and/or legs of the baby andportions of the topsheet 36 that are soiled with bodily exudates. Afirst wetness guard 22 may be positioned on the first side of thecentral lateral axis 12 and a second wetness guard 24 may be positionedon the second side of the central lateral axis 12. As mentionedpreviously, only one wetness guard (either 22 or 24) may be provided incertain absorbent articles 10. In some forms, other wetness guards mayalso be provided either in addition to the wetness guards 22 and 24, orin lieu of them. As an example, some wetness guards may extendlongitudinally at least partially between the first end edge 28 and thesecond end edge 30. The wetness guards 22 and 24 may have any suitablewidth (measured in a direction parallel to the central lateral axis 12)and the length (measured in a direction parallel to the centrallongitudinal axis 14). In some instances, the wetness guards 22 and 24may have a first width and the absorbent articles 10 may have a secondwidth. The first width may be the same as or different than (larger orsmaller) than the second width. For example, a wetness guard may onlyextend intermediate the cuffs 26 or the cuffs 27 and not extend all theway to the first and second side edges 32 and 34. In some instances, oneof the wetness guards 22 or 24 may have a first width and the other ofthe wetness guards 22 or 24 may have a second width. The first andsecond widths may be the same or different. In some instances, one ofthe wetness guards 22 or 24 may have a first length (measured in aparallel to the central longitudinal axis 14) and the other of thewetness guards 22 or 24 may have a second length. The first and secondlengths may be the same or different. The first wetness guard 22 mayhave a longer length than the second wetness guard 24, or vice versa. Insome instances, the wetness guards 22 and 24 may have the same lengthsuch that the absorbent article 10 may be reversible. The first wetnessguard 22 may overlap a first portion of the absorbent core and thesecond wetness guard 24 may overlap a second portion of the absorbentcore.

Referring to FIG. 11, the first wetness guard 22 may have a first end 66and a second end 68. The first end 66 may be positioned proximate to thefirst end edge 28 of the absorbent article 10. The second end 68 may bepositioned intermediate the first end edge 28 and the lateral axis 12.Although the second end 68 of the first wetness guard 22 is illustratedas being straight, it may also be concave or convex relative to thelateral axis 12 or may have any other suitable shape. The first wetnessguard 22 may be positioned over at least a portion of the topsheet 36and may overlap or cross the longitudinal axis 14. In other instances,the wetness guard 22 may be positioned over a portion of the topsheet 36and portions of the cuffs 26, 27 or the raised barriers.

Again referring to FIG. 11, a first portion 70 of the first wetnessguard 22 may be joined to the cuffs 26, 27, the raised barriers, thetopsheet 36, and/or the backsheet 38 proximate to the first end edge 28of the absorbent article 10. A second portion 72 of the first wetnessguard 22 may be joined to the cuffs 26, 27, the raised barriers, thetopsheet 36, and/or the backsheet 38 proximate to the first side edge 32of the absorbent article 10. A third portion 74 of the first wetnessguard 22 may be joined to the cuffs 26, 27, the raised barriers, thetopsheet 36, and/or the backsheet 38 proximate to the second side edge34 of the absorbent article 10. The joining may comprise usingmechanical joining or adhesive joining, for example. The joining may beintermittent or continuous. Through this joining, referring to FIG. 12,the second end 68 may be free of attachment to the topsheet 36, thecuffs 26, 27, and the raised barrier such that a pocket, 71, is createdat least between a non-wearer-facing surface of the first wetness guard22 and the topsheet 36. In other instances, the second end 68 may bejoined to, or partially joined to, the topsheet 36, the cuffs 26, 27,and/or the raised barriers, for example. A pocket may also be created bythe second wetness guard 24 in a similar fashion as the pocket 71 of thewetness guard 22.

Still referring to FIG. 11, the second wetness guard 24 may have a firstend 76 and a second end 78. The first end 76 may be positioned proximateto the second end edge 30 of the absorbent article 10. The second end 78may be positioned intermediate the second end edge 30 and the lateralaxis 12. Although the second end 78 of the second wetness guard 24 isillustrated as being straight, it may also be concave or convex relativeto the lateral axis 12 or may have any other suitable shape. The secondwetness guard 24 may be positioned over at least a portion of thetopsheet 36 and may overlap or cross the longitudinal axis 14. In otherinstances, the wetness guard 24 may be positioned over the portion ofthe topsheet 36 and portions of the cuffs 26, 27 or the raised barriers.

A first portion 80 of the second wetness guard 24 may be joined to thecuffs 26, 27, the raised barriers 56, the topsheet 36, and/or thebacksheet 38 proximate to the second end edge 30 of the absorbentarticle 10. A second portion 82 of the second wetness guard 24 may bejoined to the cuffs 26, 27, the raised barriers, the topsheet 36, and/orthe backsheet 38 proximate to the first side edge 32 of the absorbentarticle 10. A third portion 84 of the second wetness guard 22 may bejoined to the cuffs 26, 27, the raised barriers, the topsheet 36, and/orthe backsheet 38 proximate to the second side edge 34 of the absorbentarticle 10. The joining may comprise using mechanical joining oradhesive joining, for example. The joining may be intermittent orcontinuous. Through this joining, the second end 78 may be free ofattachment to the topsheet 36, the cuffs 26, 27, and the raised barrier,such that a pocket (like pocket 71 of FIG. 12) is created at leastbetween a non-wearer-facing surface of the second wetness guard 24 andthe topsheet 36. In other instances, the second end 78 may be joined to,or partially joined to, the topsheet 36, the cuffs 26, 27, and/or theraised barriers, for example.

In other instances, the first and/or the second wetness guards 22 and 24may be joined to the topsheet 36, the cuffs 26, 27, the raised barriers,and/or the backsheet 38 at any suitable locations on a wearer-facingsurface of the absorbent article 10. In an instance, all, or some of theperimeters of the wetness guards 22 and 24 may be joined to thewearer-facing surface. In other instances, all or some of non-perimeterareas may be joined to the wearer-facing surface. The two wetness guards22 and 24, if both are provided, may be joined to a portion of thewearer-facing surface in the same fashion or in different fashions. Inan instance, one or both of the wetness guards 22 and 24 may be discretecomponents that are not joined to the absorbent article 10 in a package,but instead are provided as a discrete component. Nurses or caregiversmay then position the wetness guard or guards on portions of thewearer-facing surface of the absorbent articles 10 as appropriate. Thewetness guards 22 and 24 may have a space between themselves and thefirst and second end edges 28 and 30. Stated another way, the mostlongitudinally outward portions of each wetness guard does not have tobe positioned on the first end edges 28 or the second end edge 30, butinstead a gap may exist, such as a 0.5 inch gap, for example.

The wetness guards 22 and 24 may have the same construction or adifferent construction. Referring to FIGS. 2 and4, the wetness guard 22and 24 may each comprise a laminate comprising a first liquidimpermeable material (or substantially liquid impermeable material) 86and a second liquid permeable material 88. The wetness guards may alsocomprise other liquid permeable or impermeable layers. The layers 86 and88 may be joined together in any suitable fashion, such as through theuse of an adhesive 90. The adhesive 90 may be continuous ordiscontinuous and may be slot coated or spirally applied, for example.The first liquid impermeable material 86 may comprise one or morenonwoven materials or films or a nonwoven and a film as a laminate. Thesecond liquid permeable material 88 may comprise one or more nonwovenmaterials or non-film materials. The first liquid impermeable material86 may face a portion of the topsheet 36, while the second liquidpermeable material 88 may face the wearer or form a portion of awearer-facing surface of the absorbent article. As such, the firstliquid impermeable material 86 may be used to create a barrier betweenthe portion of the topsheet 36 under the wetness guards and the secondliquid permeable material 88 to keep material 88 dry and sterile. Thesecond liquid permeable material 88 may be used to provide a lower back,waist, and/or legs of a baby with a soft, dry, sterile, and comfortingsurface.

The first and second wetness guards 22 and 24 may form a crotchreceiving area 92 in the absorbent article 10. The crotch receiving area92 is the area between the two wetness guards 22 and 24 where a baby'scrotch area is positioned when the absorbent article 10 is positioned onthe baby. The crotch receiving area 92 between the first and secondwetness guards 22 and 24 may be any suitable size (length or width) fora particular size baby. A ratio of the surface area of the crotchreceiving area 92 to the wetness guards 22 and 24 (together or separateif only one is provided) may be about 7:1, about 6:1, about 5:1, about4:1, about 3:1, about 2:1, about 1:1, or about 0.5:1, or may be in therange of about 10:1 to about 1:1, specifically reciting all 0.1increments of the ratios specified above and all ratios formed withinthe specified range. The crotch receiving area 92 may have an area inthe range of about 25 cm² to about 750 cm², about 40 cm² to about 500cm², about 50 cm² to about 400 cm², about 50 cm² to about 250 cm², about50 cm² to about 200 cm², about 50 cm² to about 150 cm², about 50 cm² toabout 100 cm², or about 60 cm² to about 80 cm², for example,specifically reciting all 0.1 cm² increments within the specified rangesand all ranges formed therein or thereby.

The absorbent article, when laid flat, elastic contraction pulled out,may have a length, in a direction parallel to a central longitudinalaxis 14, of less than 500 mm, less than 400 mm, less than 300 mm, lessthan 275 mm, but at least 100 mm. The absorbent article, when laid flat,elastic contraction pulled out, may have a width, in a directionparallel to a central lateral axis 12 of less than 200 mm, less than 150mm, less than 130 mm, less than 100 mm, but at least 50 mm.

To create the first and/or second wetness guards 22 and 24, thebacksheet 38 and the outer cover nonwoven material 58 may extend beyondthe first and second end edges 28 and 30 and be folded over thewearer-facing side of the absorbent article 10. The folded over portionsof the backsheet 38 and the outer cover nonwoven 58 may be joined to thetopsheet 36, portions of the cuffs 26, 27, the raised barriers, and/orthe backsheet 38. As such, the folded over portion of the backsheet 38may form the first liquid impermeable material 86 and the outer covernonwoven material 58 may form the second liquid permeable material 88 ofthe wetness guards 22 and 24. In other instances, the backsheet 38 andthe outer cover nonwoven material 58 may not be joined to a portion ofthe wearer-facing surface, but instead may merely be folded over thewearer-facing surface.

In another instance, the first and/or second wetness guards 22 and 24may be formed from discrete laminates each comprising the first liquidimpermeable material 86 and the second liquid impermeable material 88.These discrete laminates may be joined to the topsheet 36, portions ofthe cuffs 26, 27, portions of the raised barriers, and/or to thebacksheet 38.

The absorbent article 10 may have a wearer-facing surface area (theentire wearer-facing surface including areas of the wetness guards) inthe range of about 150 cm² to about 1,500 cm², about 175 cm² to about1,000 cm², about 200 cm² to about 800 cm², about 200 cm² to about 500cm², about 200 cm² to about 400 cm², about 200 cm² to about 300 cm²,about 200 cm² to about 250 cm², about 210 cm² to about 240 cm², or about225 cm², for example, specifically reciting all 0.1 cm² incrementswithin the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

The wetness guards 22 or 24 may have an area in the range of about 10cm² to about 800 cm², about 15 cm² to about 600 cm², about 15 cm² toabout 400 cm², about 20 cm² to about 300 cm², about 20 cm² to about 200cm², about 20 cm² to about 100 cm², about 20 cm² to about 75 cm², orabout 25 cm² to about 70 cm², for example, specifically reciting all 0.1cm² increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed thereinor thereby. As mentioned above, the wetness guard 22 may have an areathat is the same or different than the wetness guard 24, if both areprovided in an absorbent article.

In another instance, referring to FIG. 13, at least one of or both ofthe wetness guards 22 and 24 may only be attached to the first side edge32, the second side edge 34, and/or a portion of the absorbent article10 proximate to one of the side edges 32 and 34, for example. In otherinstances, the wetness guards 22 and/or 24 may be attached to the outercover nonwoven material 58, the backsheet 38, the topsheet 34, one ofthe raised barriers, and/or one of the cuffs (26 or 27), for example. Insuch an instance, the wetness guard 22 in FIG. 13 may be configured tobe folded over into the position illustrated in, for example FIG. 2. Thewetness guard 24 may have a similar configuration as the illustratedwetness guard 22 or may be provided as described with reference to FIG.2. The wetness guard 22 (and/or the wetness guard 24 if provided in thesame configuration) may comprise a fastener 23, such as a plurality ofhooks or an adhesive, for example, such that when the wetness guard 22is folded over the absorbent article 10, it can be joined by thefastener 23 to a portion of the wearer-facing surface of the absorbentarticle 10. The materials of the wetness guard 22 may be the same as orsimilar to that described above.

In still other instances, referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, one or both ofthe wetness guards 22 and 24 may be a discrete component (FIG. 15) fromthe absorbent article 10 (FIG. 14) and may be configured to be placed onthe absorbent article 10, in for example, the positions illustrated inFIG. 2, or in other positions as desired by the nurse or caregiver. Insome instances, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, one wetness guard 22may be a discrete component and the other wetness guard 24 may be joinedto the cuffs 26 (or 27), the raised barrier, the topsheet 36, and/or thebacksheet 38. The discrete wetness guard or guards may be packaged withthe absorbent articles 10 or may be packaged and/or sold separately. Thediscrete wetness guard 22 (and/or the wetness guard 24, if discrete) mayhave a first fastener 23 and a second fastener 25. The first and secondfasteners 23 and 25 may be used to join the discrete wetness guard 22 toa portion of the wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article 10 asdesired and maintain the wetness guard 22 in position during use of theabsorbent article 10. The materials of the wetness guard may be the sameas or similar to that described above.

In yet other instances, referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, at least one of,or both of, the wetness guards 22 and 24 may be provided in a sleeveform. The sleeve may be positioned on the absorbent article 10 in apackage, positioned separately from the absorbent article 10 in thepackage, or may be sold in a separate package. Once positioned on theabsorbent article, the sleeve may be moveable in the directions ofarrows 94 and 96 to allow a nurse or caregiver to position the wetnessguard 22 as desired. In some instances, as illustrated in FIG. 16, onewetness guard 24 may be joined to the wearer-facing surface and anotherwetness guard 22 may take the form of a sleeve. In some forms, thematerials of the wetness guard may be the same as or similar to thatdescribed above. In other forms, only portions of the wetness guardpositioned over the wearer-facing surface may have the wetness guardconstructions described herein, with other portions (i.e., portionswrapped around a non-wearer-facing surface 98 of the absorbent article10) being constructed of other materials, such as nonwoven materialswithout films, for example. FIG. 17 illustrates an example of how thewetness guard 22 in the form of a sleeve would surround the absorbentarticle 10.

The absorbent articles 10 of the present disclosure may have one or morefastening members. The fastening members may be related art fasteningmembers (i.e., taped fastening members) that are permanently attached tothe absorbent article 10 in the back waist region 18 and are engaged byfasteners (e.g., hooks) to a garment-facing surface of the front waistregion or vice versa. In some instances, a landing zone may be providedon the garment-facing surface of the front waist region 16 for suchengagement. In other instances the fastening members may be fullyremovable fastening members 100. The fastening members may be stretchpanels that may be discrete elements. Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, thefastening members 100 may each comprise a first surface 102, a secondsurface 104, a first end 106, and a second end 108. The first surface102 may be opposite to the second surface 104 and the first end 106 maybe opposite to the second end 108. The fastening members 100 maycomprise a first fastener 110 configured to engage a first portion ofthe outer cover nonwoven material 58 or a first portion of a landingzone and positioned on the first surface 102. The absorbent article 10may be free of a landing zone. The fastening members 100 may comprise asecond fastener 112 configured to engage a second, different portion ofthe outer cover nonwoven material 58 and positioned on the first surface102.

In some instances, it may be desirable to provide the first fasteningmember 110 on the first surface 102 and the second fastening member 112on the second surface 104, so that the fastener can be folded into aloop to hold a tube, for example. The first portion of the outer covernonwoven material 58 may be in the front waist region 16, the back waistregion 18, or the crotch region 20. Likewise, the second portion of theouter cover nonwoven material 58 may be in the front waist region 16,the back waist region 18, or the crotch region 20. The fastener 110 maybe positioned proximate to the first end 106 and the fastener 112 may bepositioned proximate to the second end 108. In some instances, only onefully removable fastening member 100 may be provided on an absorbentarticle 10 and the other fastening member may be permanently joined tothe absorbent article on at least one of its ends.

Since the fastening members 100 are removable from the absorbent article10, they can be fastened as desired or as needed by a nurse orcaregiver. In some instances, the nurse or caregiver may remove thefastening members 100 from the absorbent article 10 and not use them ifthe baby is in a certain position, for example. In other instances, thenurse or caregiver may only use one of the fastening members 100 if thebaby is in another certain position, for example.

Referring to FIG. 20, the fastening members 100 may comprise a firstnonwoven or other substrate 114, a second or other nonwoven substrate116, and an elastic material 117 positioned at least partiallyintermediate the first and second substrates 114 and 116. The elasticmaterial may comprise an elastic nonwoven material, an elastic film, orelastic strands, for example. The elastic material may be apertured ormicro-apertured to promote breathability. In other instances, thefastening members may comprise one or more substrates and may notcomprise an elastic material.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, a middle portion 118 (e.g., between thefirst and second ends 106 and 108) of the fastening member 100 maydefine one or more slots 120 or apertures therein. The slots orapertures 120 may have any suitable size and/or shape. In certaininstances, premature, NAS babies, and other babies are on feeding tubes,corded monitoring device (e.g., heart rate monitor), corded life supportdevice, or the like. These tubes and cords may be positioned through theslots 120 or apertures to help hold the tubes and cords in place. Insome instances, the middle portion 118, or other portions, of thefastening member 100 may be formed of a highly breathable material, suchas a highly breathable film, nonwoven, film/nonwoven laminate, or anapertured film or apertured nonwoven material, for example.

In some countries, it may be desirable to allow air to flow to the bellybutton area after birth when a portion of the umbilical cord on the babyis drying out and/or healing. Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, a firstumbilical cord notch 122 may be defined in the first end edge 28 in thefront waist region 16 and a second umbilical cord notch 124 may bedefined in the second end edge 30 in the back waist region 18. The firstand second umbilical cord notches 122 and 124 may have any suitablesize, shape, and/or depth relative to the first and second end edges 28and 30, respectively. In some instances, only the first or the secondumbilical cord notch may be provided. The benefit of having twoumbilical cord notches is that the absorbent article 10 may be appliedwith the front waist region 16 on a front of a wearer or with the frontwaist region 16 on a back of the wearer. Stated another way, byproviding the two umbilical cord notches, the absorbent article 10 maybe reversible. The longitudinal axis 14 (see e.g., FIG. 2) may extendthrough the umbilical cord notches.

Referring to FIG. 24, first sides of the fastening members 100 may bepermanently fixed to a portion of the back waist region 18 and may notbe releasably joined to the absorbent article 10. The first side of thefastening members 100 may be permanently fixed to the portions of theback waist region 18 using one or more bonds 138, lines of adhesives, ormay be otherwise permanently fixed. Second sides of the fasteningmembers 100 may comprise fasteners used to join the second sides of thefastening member 100 to portion of the front waist region 16.Alternatively, the second sides of the fastening members 100 may bepermanently fixed to the front waist region 16 and the first sides ofthe fastening members 100 may comprise fasteners used to join the firstsides of the fastening members 100 to the back waist region 18.

In some countries, it may be desirable to cover up the belly button of ababy after birth. Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, a first umbilical cordprojection 126 may extend from the first end edge 28 in the front waistregion 16 and a second umbilical cord projection 128 may extend from thesecond end edge 30 in the back waist region 18. The first and secondumbilical cord projections 126 and 128 may have any suitable size,shape, and/or height relative to the first and second end edges 28 and30, respectively. In some instances, only the first or the secondumbilical cord projection may be provided. The benefit of having twoumbilical cord projections is that the absorbent article 10 may beapplied with the front waist region 16 on a front of a wearer or withthe front waist region 16 on a back of the wearer. Stated another way,by providing the two umbilical cord projections, the absorbent article10 may be reversible. The longitudinal axis 14 (see e.g., FIG. 2) mayextend through the umbilical cord projections.

The umbilical cord projections may have one or more slots 130 orapertures defined therein. The slots 130 or apertures may have anysuitable size and/or shape. In certain instances, premature, NAS babies,and other babies may be on feeding tubes, corded monitoring device(e.g., heart rate monitor), or the like. These tubes and cords may bepositioned through the slots 130 or apertures to help hold the tubes andcords in place.

In some instances, no umbilical cord notches or umbilical cordprojections may be provided on an absorbent article (see e.g., FIGS. 1and2). In still other instances, an umbilical cord notch may be providedon a first side of the lateral axis 12 and an umbilical cord projectionmay be provided on a second side of the lateral axis 12.

As mentioned above, it may be desirable to reduce contact with prematureand NAS babies as much as feasible because of their delicate body andskin. On the other hand, it is also desirable to have the absorbentarticle on the baby to be as free of bodily exudates as possible toprotect the baby's skin. In instances where the babies are positioned inincubators, conventional wetness indicators may not function adequatelyowing to the high humidity environment of the incubators. The presentdisclosure provides a way to solve these issues by providing the outercover nonwoven material 58 and/or the backsheet 38 with a low opacity.By providing the outer cover nonwoven material 58 and/or the backsheet38 with a low opacity, nurses are able to visually determine, withouttouching the baby, whether the absorbent articles need to be changed,thus not disturbing the baby if the absorbent article is not soiled orsufficiently soiled.

The opacity of the backsheet 38 may be in the range of about 10% toabout 80%, about 15% to about 70%, about 20% to about 70%, or about 25%to about 70%, specifically reciting all 0.1% increments within thespecified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. All opacity %are determined using the Opacity Test herein.

The opacity of the outer cover nonwoven material 58 may be in the rangeof about 1% to about 50%, about 5% to about 30%, about 5% to about 25%,about 10% to about 20%, about 10% to about 15%, or may be less thanabout 30%, less than about 25%, less than about 20%, less than about15%, or less than about 10%, specifically reciting all 0.1% incrementswithin the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.All opacity % are determined using the Opacity Test herein.

The opacity of both the backsheet 38 and the outer cover nonwovenmaterial 58 measured as a laminate may be in the range of about 15% toabout 95%, about 20% to about 80%, about 30% to about 70%, or about 40%to about 60%, specifically reciting all 0.1% increments within thespecified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. All opacitypercentages are determined using the Opacity Test herein.

Either in addition to or in lieu of the low opacity outer cover nonwovenmaterial 58 and/or the backsheet 38, the absorbent article 10 maycomprise a wetness indicator 132, which may be positioned on awearer-facing side of the backsheet 38 or in other suitable locations.Thus, as bodily exudates come into contact with the wetness indicator,the wetness indicator may change colors or appear or disappear toindicate to nurses or caregivers that the absorbent article is soiledand needs changed. In other instances, the wetness indicator may changecolors, appear, or disappear based on temperature changes (caused bybodily exudates entering the absorbent article) within the absorbentarticle 10. In other instances, the absorbent article 10 may be free ofa wetness indicator.

The absorbent articles 10 may comprise lotions, ointments, skinprotecting ointments, vitamins, anti-bacterial treatments,anti-microbial treatments, anti-fungal treatments, on the topsheet 36,leg cuffs 26 and/or 27, and/or other components to promote skin healthfor the baby.

Package

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure, in their variousforms, may be placed into packages. The packages may comprise films, forexample. The packages may comprise indicia, brand names, claims,pictures, and/or graphics, relating to the absorbent articles. Theabsorbent articles within the packages may have all or some of thefeatures disclosed herein. In some instances, the packages may compriseabsorbent articles with different features or sizes in the same packageor in different packages. As an example, a package may comprise aplurality of absorbent articles and a plurality of discrete fasteningmembers and/or discrete wetness guards configured for use with theabsorbent articles. At least some of the plurality of fastening membersmay each comprise a first surface, a second surface opposite to thefirst surface, a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, afirst fastener comprising a first plurality of hooks on the firstsurface and positioned proximate to the first end, and a second fastenercomprising a second plurality of hooks on the first surface andpositioned proximate to the second end.

Arrays

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may be sold ordisplaced in arrays or on-line arrays. The arrays or on-line arrays maycomprise different sizes of the absorbent articles or absorbent articleswith different features. The arrays or on-line arrays may also comprisethe discrete fasteners or discrete wetness guards.

Any configurations of the wetness guards 22 and 24 described herein maybe used together, for example, a wetness guard that is discrete may beused with a wetness guard that folds over, or a wetness guard that isattached at only one side of the absorbent article 10 may be used with apermanent or discrete wetness guard. Other features of the absorbentarticles may be used in combination with any of the wetness guardconfigurations described herein.

Crotch Compression Force

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have a CrotchCompression Force in the range of about 0.4N to about 2.5N, about 0.4Nto about 1.5N, about 0.5N to about 2.0N, about 0.6N to about 1.5N, about0.7N to about 1N, about 0.8N to about 0.9N, about 0.75N to about 1N, orless than about 2.0N, less than about 1.8N, less than about 1.6N, lessthan about 1.5N, or less than about 1N, specifically reciting all 0.01Nincrements with the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein orthereby. All Crotch Compression Force measurements are made according tothe Crotch Compression Force Measurement Test herein.

FIGS. 27-29 are schematic illustrations of absorbent articles 10 withgraphics and/or indicia 134, 136 (hereafter “graphics”), with theirgarment-facing surfaces facing the viewer. The graphics 134 may be on afirst side of the central lateral axis 12 and the graphics 136 may be ona second side of the central lateral axis 12 of the absorbent article10. The graphics 134 and/or 136 may or may not cross the centrallongitudinal axis of the absorbent article 10. The graphics 134 and/or136 may be a single graphic or multiple graphics that form a singleimage, multiple images, single patterns, or multiple patterns. Thegraphics 134 may be a mirror image of the graphics 136 (or may be thesame or substantially the same), relative to the central lateral axis12, to indicate reversibility of the absorbent article to a caregiver orwearer. In other instances, the graphics 134 may not be a mirror imageof the graphics 136, relative to the central lateral axis 12. Referringto FIG. 29, the graphics 134 and/or 136 may be at least partiallycomprised of brand names, characters, and/or logos. The graphics 134and/or 136 may be printed on, positioned on, and/or applied to thebacksheet 38 and/or the outer cover nonwoven material 58, for example.If the graphics 134 and 136 are on the backsheet 38, the outer covernonwoven material 58 may have an opacity such that the graphics 134 and136 are viewable therethrough. The graphics 134 and 136 may be on agarment-facing side of the backsheet 38 and/or the wearer-facing side ofthe backsheet 38. The graphics 134 may also be printed on, or otherwiseapplied to, a landing zone in the front waist region 16. Likewise, thegraphics 136 may be printed on, or otherwise applied to, a landing zonein the back waist region 18. By providing two landing zones, thecaregiver is able to recognize that the absorbent article 10 isreversible. The landing zones may be a separate material joined to theouter cover nonwoven material 58 or may be formed by portions of theouter cover nonwoven material 58.

By having graphics 134 and 136 that are mirror images of each other,relative to the central lateral axis 12, the absorbent article 10 may bereversible. Stated another way, a baby's (or wearer's) back waist regionmay be positioned adjacent to graphics 134 or 136 depending on how theabsorbent article 10 is donned on the baby. If the absorbent article 10is meant to be reversible, the absorbent material 42 within theabsorbent core 40, in some instances, may be uniform and homogeneous.The absorbent core 40 may also be longitudinally centered in theabsorbent article to aid in reversibility of the absorbent article. Byproviding graphics that mirror each other on opposite sides of thecentral lateral axis 12, a caregiver will quickly recognize that theabsorbent article is reversible. Further, the graphics may indicatewhere fasteners (e.g., 110, 112) may be attached (e.g., landing zone) onthe garment-facing surface to provide a caregiver with a guide as toproper application of the fasteners and, thereby, a proper applicationof the absorbent article 10.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 30-34, one or more inserts 140 may be providedfor use with the absorbent article 10. The one or more inserts 140 maybe packaged together with the absorbent article 10 or packaged and soldseparately. One or more inserts 140 and one or more absorbent articles10 may be in a kit. The one or more inserts 140 may be positioned withinthe absorbent article 10 after the absorbent article 10 is donned on thewearer or before the absorbent article 10 is donned on the wearer. Theinserts 140 essentially provide an additional absorbent containmentelement that may be used prior to soiling the absorbent article 10 orafter soiling of the absorbent article 10. The inserts 140 may beadvantageous in that the baby or wearer may not need to be fully changedand, thereby, moved or handled less, compared to if only the absorbentarticle 10 was used. Multiple inserts may be used at one time, so thatonce soiled the most wearer-facing insert may be removed. In someinstances, the inserts 140 may be fastening or joined to thewearer-facing surface of the absorbent article 10 or to a wearer-facingsurface of another insert using any suitable joining techniques. Inother instances, the inserts 140 may merely be placed on thewearer-facing surface of the absorbent article 10 or the wearer-facingsurface without some separate attachment or joining mechanism. In theseinstances, the inserts 140 may remain in place by friction or merely byweight of the baby. In some instances, at least portion of the insertsmay have low coefficients of friction to allow them to slide over aportion of a wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article 10, whenbeing inserted into the absorbent article while it is on a wearer. Theinserts are helpful as full absorbent article changes may be reduced,thereby leading to less stress on (i.e., less movement of) a baby orpremature baby.

FIG. 30 is a plan view of the insert 140 positioned on a wearer-facingsurface of an absorbent article 10 of the present disclosure. FIG. 31 isa plan view of the insert. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional illustration ofthe insert 140 of FIG. 31, taken about line 32-32. FIG. 33 is a planview of another insert 140′. FIG. 34 is a plan view of another insert140″.

The inserts 140 may comprise a topsheet 142, an optional acquisitionmaterial and/or distribution material 144, an absorbent core 146, abacksheet 148, and optionally an outer cover nonwoven material 150. Thetopsheet 142 may be formed of one or more nonwoven materials, one ormore films, or a laminate formed of one or more nonwoven materials andone or more films. The topsheet 142 may comprise a liquid permeablematerial or apertures 152 defined in the topsheet 142 may make thetopsheet 142 liquid permeable or more liquid permeable. The topsheet 142may also comprise three-dimensional features, embossments, bondpatterns, lotions, and/or surfactants, for example. The acquisitionmaterial and/or distribution material 144 may be formed of nonwovenmaterials, foams, or other suitable materials. The acquisition materialand/or distribution material 144 is only illustrated in FIG. 32, sinceit is an optional feature. Optionally, a layer of cross-linkedcellulosic fibers may also be present intermediate the topsheet 142 andthe acquisition material and/or distribution material 144. The absorbentcore 146 may comprise an absorbent material. The absorbent material maycomprise airfelt and superabsorbent polymers, mostly or only airfelt, ormostly or only superabsorbent polymers. The absorbent core 146 may haveareas that are free of the absorbent material (e.g., channels that arefree of the absorbent material) or may have areas where the absorbentmaterial is densified (e.g., channels that are formed by densified areasin the absorbent material). The backsheet 148 may be liquid impermeable,and may or may not be air permeable (or “breathable”). In someinstances, the backsheet 148 may not be provided and bodily exudatesthat are not absorbed by the absorbent core 146 may pass through theinsert 140 and into the absorbent articles 10. The outer cover nonwovenmaterial 150 may or may not be provided and may be formed of a nonwovenmaterial, for example.

Referring to FIG. 32A, in some instances, the insert 140 may have thecross section illustrated when taken about line 32A-32A of FIG. 31. Insuch an instance, the topsheet 142 may form a C-wrap around end regionsof the backsheet 148 and be joined to the backsheet 148 using adhesivebonds 149, or other types of joining. In such an instance, a portion ofthe backsheet 148 may rest on the topsheet 36 of the absorbent article10. Stated another way, a portion of the backsheet 148 may form agarment-facing surface of the insert. An optional acquisition materialand/or distribution material 144 may be provided. The insert of FIG. 32Amay, in some instances, have an outer cover nonwoven material as well.

Referring to FIG. 33, an insert 140′ is illustrated. This example insert140′ has a grasp tab 154 on one end and a cut out 156 on the other end.The grasp tab 154 may be used by a caregiver to easily grasp and removethe insert 140′. The grasp tab 154, in an example, may be formed only ofa backsheet material, or other liquid impermeable material, so thatbodily exudates cannot wick to the grasp tab 154. In other instances,the grasp tab 154 may be formed of a portion of the topsheet 142, aportion of the backsheet 148, and/or a portion of the outer covernonwoven material 150. By providing the grasp tab 154 on one end and thecut out 156 on the other end, a material savings may be achieved whenthe inserts are manufactured in strip of a plurality of the inserts140′. Any of the inserts described herein may be manufactured in a stripof a plurality of the inserts and may be packaged as a roll of inserts,for example. Lines of weakness 158 may be formed intermediate thevarious inserts. In such an instance, a roll of a plurality of insertsmay be provided to a caregiver or nurse and the caregiver or nurse canthen tear off any suitable number of inserts for use on a particularwearer. The inserts may also be packaged in stacks, for example, or inother forms.

Referring to FIG. 34, the insert 140″ is illustrated. The example insert140″ may have a grasp tab 154 on both ends to allow for easier caregiveror nurse placement and removal of the inserts 140″.

In some instances, the various inserts may comprise stiffening membersor stiffened portions (e.g., foams, densified regions) to aid inapplication of the inserts into a donned absorbent article 10.

In some instances, it may be desirable for the absorbent articles to befree of fragrances, perfumes, and/or lotions. In other instances, one ormore components of the absorbent articles, such as the topsheet, forexample, may be free of fragrances, perfumes, and/or lotions,

Referring to FIG. 35, the elastics 52 may extend the full longitudinaldirection, substantially the full longitudinal direction, or only partof the full longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 10. Incertain instances though, the elastics 52 may only be joined to thecuffs 26 in a joined area 222. The elastics 52 may not extend the fulllongitudinal direction of the absorbent article 10 after the absorbentarticle is separated from other absorbent articles at the first end edge28 and at the second end edge 30. In this instance, the elastics 52 may“snap back” toward the joined area 222. Portions of the elastics 52outside of the joined area 222 may be free of joinder to the cuffs 26,thereby not applying elastic forces to areas of the cuffs 26 outside ofthe joined area 222. The joined area 222 may be centrally located on theelastics 52 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., a direction about thelongitudinal axis 20). Stated another way, the joined area 222 mayexhibit symmetry with respect to the lateral axis 12. In other cases,the joined area 222 may not exhibit symmetry with respect to the lateralaxis 12 or may not even cross the lateral axis 12. In this instance, thejoined area 222 may be fully positioned on a first side of the lateralaxis 12 or may be fully positioned on a second side of the lateral axis12. More than one joined area 222 may exist for a single cuff 26. In asingle elastic 52, one joined area may be on the first side of thelateral axis 12 and a second joined area may be on a second side of thelateral axis 12. The joined areas 222 may have a length extending in adirection generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 14 of about 0.25inches to about 10 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 7 inches, about 1inch to about 6 inches, about 1 inch to about 5 inches, or about 1 inchto about 4 inches, specifically reciting all 0.1 inch increments withthe specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Thecertain longitudinal length of the joined areas 222 in a particularabsorbent article 10 may depend on the size of the absorbent article 10and/or the intended use of the absorbent article 10. The joined area 222may comprise one or more adhesives and/or one or more mechanical,ultrasonic, and/or thermal bonds, for example, to join the elastics 52in the joined area 222 to the cuffs 26. The joined areas 222 areillustrated as a rectangular block for illustration purposes only, andother suitable shapes are within the scope of the present disclosure.The elastics 52 may be under a pre-strain when joined to the cuffs 26 toactivate the joined areas 222 when the pre-strain is released. In someinstances, the elastics 52 may only extend longitudinally through thejoined area 222 and may be pre-strained. The cuffs 26 may be formed ofone or more materials or nonwoven materials. If only one material isused, that material may be folded over itself to enclose the elastics52. If two materials are used, the materials may sandwich the elasticstherebetween. The joined area 222 may be two or more discrete bonds 222′with pre-strained elastics 52P therebetween as illustrated in FIG. 37.The elastics 53, if provided, may have the same or different features asthe elastics 52 described in this paragraph. In other instances, onlythe elastics 53 may have the features described in this paragraph withrespect to the elastics 52. By providing elastics 52 and/or 53 with oneor more joined areas 222, the absorbent pad may form a U-like shape bybringing the first end edge 28 towards the second end edge 30. This mayprovide better bodily exudate containment. An example absorbent articlehaving this U-like shape is illustrated in FIG. 36.

In other instances, the joined areas 222 may not be provided and thecuffs may comprise a first nonwoven substrate or a first substrate and asecond nonwoven substrate or a second substrate. The first and secondnonwoven substrates may be joined to each other at differentlongitudinal pre-strain forces. As such, when these pre-strain forcesare released, the cuff may contract and form a structure like the topabsorbent article of FIG. 36. One pre-strain force in one of the firstand second substrates may be negligible or may be zero.

Referring to FIG. 37, an absorbent article 10 may have cuffs 26 with acertain elastic configuration. The elastics 52 and/or 53 may or may nothave the joined areas 222, 222′ discussed above. The elastics 52 mayeach have a first bond 224 proximate to the first end edge 28 and asecond bond 226 positioned more distal from the first end edge 28 thanthe first bond 224. The elastics 52 may also each have a third bond 228proximate to the second end edge 30 and a fourth bond 130 positionedmore distal from the second end edge 30 than the third bond 228. Theelastics 52 may be cut (example cut lines “CL” illustrated in dash inFIG. 37) intermediate the second bond 226 and joined area 222 (or 222′)or, if the joined area 222 is not provided, intermediate the second bond226 and the fourth bond 230. If the joined area 222 is provided, theelastics 52 may also be cut intermediate the fourth bond 230 and thejoined area 222. The bonds 224 and 226, owing to contraction of theelastic 52 therebetween, may cause the first end edge 28 to curl or foldover a portion of the wearer-facing surface proximate to the first endedge 28. The bonds 228 and 230, owing to the contraction of the elastic52 therebetween, may cause the second end edge 30 to curl or fold over aportion of the wearer-facing surface proximate to the second end edge30. These curled or folded over portions may help contain bodilyexudates on the absorbent article 10 so that they may be absorbed by theabsorbent core 40 and so that clothing around the absorbent article 10is not soiled. FIG. 38 is a perspective front view of a curled or foldedover portion of an absorbent article in the front waist region. FIG. 39is a perspective view of the curled or folded over portion of anabsorbent article in the front waist region. The back waist region mayalso have the curling or folded over features in the example absorbentarticles of FIGS. 38 and 39. These features may be used with or withoutthe various wetness guards 22, 24 disclosed herein. In other instances,these curled or folded over portions may be used to create the wetnessguards 22, 24 when they are curled or folded over. When used as wetnessguards, the curled or folded over portions may be tacked, bonded, and/orglued to the wearer-facing surface to hold them in place. The elastics53 of the cuffs 27, if provided, may have the similar or the samefeatures as the elastics 52 of the cuffs 26 described in this paragraph.The bonds 224, 226, 228, and 230 may comprise adhesive bonds, mechanicalbonds, ultra-sonic bonds, and/or thermal bonds, for example. One or moretack down bonds 221 may also be present on the absorbent article 10. Thetack down bonds 221 may be used to join the cuffs 26 to the topsheet orto other portions of the absorbent article 10. Referring to FIG. 40,instead of providing the first, second, third, and fourth bonds 224,226, 228, and 230, a continuous bond 232 may be provided in at least oneend region of the elastics 52. The continuous bond 232 may function likethe first, second, third, and fourth bonds 224, 226, 228, and 230described above and may result in curled or folded portions illustratedin FIGS. 38 and 39. The continuous bonds 232 may comprise adhesivebonds, mechanical bonds, ultra-sonic bonds, and/or mechanical bonds, forexample. Continuous bonds may also be provided on the elastics 53 of thecuffs 27, if provided. The elastics may be pre-strained before thecontinuous bond is applied such that elastic contraction within thecontinuous bonds may cause the end portions to curl or fold over.

Referring to FIG. 41, portions of the absorbent core 40, the absorbentmaterial 42 within the absorbent core 40, and/or other layers of theabsorbent articles may comprise one or more fold lines 233 to alloweasier folding of portions of the absorbent articles 10. The fold lines233 may be areas with reduced or no absorbent material 42 or embossedareas, for example. The fold lines may be at any suitable locationswithin the absorbent core 40 and/or the absorbent article 10. The foldlines may be helpful to a caregiver or nurse when situating theabsorbent pad 10 at least partially around a baby, for example.

Methods for producing cuffs of the absorbent articles are alsodisclosed. The cuffs may be made online or by hand. In an onlinecontext, a first nonwoven web or a first web may be advanced (e.g., on aconveyor) in a machine direction. One or more elastics may be applied ina pre-strained condition to the first nonwoven web. The pre-strainedelastic may have the same machine direction length as the first nonwovenweb. The pre-strained elastic may be joined to the first nonwoven web ina plurality of joined areas 222 (e.g., one or more joined areas perdiscrete cuff length). In some instances, the pre-strained elastic mayonly be joined to the first nonwoven web in the joined areas 222. Thejoining may use adhesives or bonds, as discussed herein. The remainderof the elastic outside of the joined areas 222 may be free of joinder tothe first nonwoven web. The first nonwoven web may then be folded overitself to enclose the elastic. In other instances, a second nonwoven webor second web may be positioned over the first nonwoven web and may bejoined to the first nonwoven web to enclose the elastic. The secondnonwoven web may also be joined to the elastic in the joined areas 222.The formed web of cuffs may then be cut to suitable discrete lengths.When the web of cuffs is cut to suitable discrete lengths, the elasticin each cuff may “snap back” towards the joined areas 222, leaving theelastic only pre-strained in the joined area, with the remainder of theelastic being non-pre-strained and not attached to the first and/orsecond nonwoven discrete webs. The cuffs may then be attached to anabsorbent article. Once the cuffs are attached to an absorbent article,the structure of FIG. 36 may be created. In some instances, the firstnonwoven web may first be joined to a moving web comprising a topsheet,a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned at least partiallytherebetween, among other components (e.g., an acquisition layerpositioned intermediate the topsheet and the absorbent core). In thisinstance, the cuffs and the moving web may be cut into discreteabsorbent articles at the same time.

In addition to being joined to the first and/or second nonwoven webs inthe joined areas 222, the elastics may also be joined to the firstand/or second nonwoven webs at bonds (e.g., bonds 224, 226, 228, and 230or continuous bonds 232). These features may apply in a single web cuffthat is folded over itself or to a two web cuff. Also, the elastics mayonly be joined to the first and/or second nonwoven webs at the bonds andnot in the joined areas 222. In any event, if the elastics are joined tothe bonds (e.g., 224 and 226), portions of the elastics intermediate thebonds will remain pre-strained after the elastics are cut intermediatebond pairs (e.g., “CL” of FIG. 37) and after the cuffs are cut intosuitable discrete lengths. This may cause the pre-strained elasticportions intermediate the bonds (e.g., 224 and 226), to contract uponrelease of the pre-strain force and cause the curling or folding oflongitudinal end portions as illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39.

In some instances, discrete cuffs, like the pairs of cuffs 26 and 27 maynot be provided in an absorbent article. Instead, referring to FIGS.42-45, a pair of cuffs 326 may be integrally formed in the absorbentarticle 10 by folding the first and second side edges 32 and 34 inwardlytoward the longitudinal axis 14. FIG. 42 is a perspective viewphotograph of an absorbent article with folded over cuffs. FIG. 43 is aplan view of an absorbent article 10 with folded over cuffs 326. FIG. 44is an example cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 10 prior tothe cuffs 326 being folded toward the longitudinal axis 14. FIG. 45 isan example end view of the absorbent article 10 of FIG. 43 before anytack down bonds are applied.

Referring to FIGS. 43-45, the structure of the absorbent article 10 isillustrated. The absorbent article 10 comprises a topsheet 36, anabsorbent core 40, a backsheet 38, and an outer cover nonwoven material58. The absorbent core 40 is disposed at least partially between thetopsheet 36 and the backsheet 38. Elastics 352 may also be positionedintermediate the topsheet 36 and the backsheet 38 or may be positionedintermediate the backsheet 38 and the outer cover nonwoven material 58.Portions of the topsheet 36, the backsheet 38, and the outer covernonwoven material 58 may be folded towards the longitudinal axis 14 tocreate a structure like that illustrated in FIGS. 43 and 45. Theelastics 352 may only be joined to the cuff 326 in a joined area 322,much like joined area 222. The joined area 322 may comprise an adhesivethat joins the elastics 352 to the topsheet 36 and/or backsheet 38 (orto the backsheet 38 and/or the outer cover nonwoven material 58). One ormore tack down bonds 321 (similar to tack down bonds 221 describedherein) may also be present on the absorbent article 10 proximate to thefirst end edge 28 and the second end edge 30. The tack down bonds 321may be used to hold the ends of the cuffs 326 in the folded overconfiguration. In some instances, the elastics 352 may not be providedand the cuffs 326 may “stand” because of the tack down bonds 321. Anysuitable number of tack down bonds 321 may be provided.

The tack down bonds 321 in combination with the joined area 322 of theelastics 352 may cause the cuffs 326 to “stand” more than without theelastics 352 and the joined area 322 as illustrated in FIG. 42. In someinstances, the elastics 352 may be joined to the topsheet 36 and/orbacksheet 38 (or to the backsheet 38 and/or the outer cover nonwovenmaterial 58) along their full length or along most of their length.Other features, such as the wetness guards 22, 24, for example, of theabsorbent articles 10 described herein may also be used with theabsorbent article of FIGS. 42-45. One or more acquisition materialsand/or distribution materials may also be provided at least partiallyintermediate the topsheet 36 and the absorbent core 40, similar toacquisition material 50 and distribution material 51 described herein.

Examples/Combinations

-   A. An absorbent article comprising:

a central lateral axis;

a central longitudinal axis;

a first end edge;

a second end edge opposing the first end edge;

a first side edge;

a second side edge opposing the first side edge;

a first waist region on a first side of the central lateral axis;

a second waist region on a second side of the central lateral axis;

a crotch region extending intermediate the first waist region and thesecond waist region and crossing the central lateral axis;

a liquid permeable, apertured topsheet, wherein the topsheet ishydrophobic;

a liquid impermeable backsheet;

an acquisition material;

an absorbent core positioned at least partially intermediate theacquisition material and the liquid impermeable backsheet, wherein theabsorbent core comprises an absorbent material, wherein the absorbentmaterial has a first width, in a direction parallel to the centrallateral axis, in the first waist region, wherein the absorbent materialhas a second width, in the direction parallel to the lateral axis, inthe second waist region, wherein the absorbent material has a thirdwidth, in the direction parallel to the lateral axis, in the crotchregion, and wherein the first width and the second width are greaterthan the third width;

a pair of leg cuffs positioned proximal to the first and second sideedges;

a first wetness guard in the first waist region, wherein the firstwetness guard comprises:

-   -   a first liquid impermeable material in a facing relationship        with the topsheet; and    -   a second liquid permeable material forming a first portion of a        wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article;

a second wetness guard in the second waist region, wherein the secondwetness guard comprises:

-   -   a third liquid impermeable material in a facing relationship        with the topsheet; and    -   a fourth liquid permeable material forming a second portion of        the wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article; and

a removable fastening member comprising:

-   -   a first surface;    -   a second surface opposite to the first surface;    -   a first end;    -   a second end opposite to the first end;    -   a first fastener comprising a first plurality of hooks on the        first surface and positioned proximate to the first end; and    -   a second fastener comprising a second plurality of hooks on the        first surface and positioned proximate to the second end.

-   B. The absorbent article of Paragraph A, wherein the first width of    the absorbent material and the second width of the absorbent    material are substantially the same.

-   C. The absorbent article of Paragraph A or B, comprising an outer    cover material joined to a non-absorbent core facing side of the    backsheet, wherein the outer cover material or the backsheet    comprises a first graphic in the first waist region, wherein the    outer cover material or the backsheet comprises a second graphic in    the second waist region, and wherein the first and second graphics    are the same, or substantially the same, to indicate reversibility    of the absorbent article to a caregiver.

-   D. The absorbent article of Paragraph A or B, comprising an outer    cover material joined to a non-absorbent core facing side of the    backsheet, wherein the outer cover material or the backsheet    comprises a first graphic in the first waist region, wherein the    outer cover material comprises a second graphic in the second waist    region, wherein the first and second graphics are mirror images of    each other, relative to the central lateral axis, to indicate    reversibility of the absorbent article to a caregiver, wherein the    first and second pluralities of hooks are configured to engage    portions of the outer cover material, and wherein the absorbent    article is free of a discrete landing zone for the first and second    pluralities of hooks.

-   E. The absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs A-D, comprising a    second removable fastening member comprising:    -   a first surface;    -   a second surface opposite to the first surface;    -   a first end;    -   a second end opposite to the first end;    -   a first fastener comprising a first plurality of hooks on the        first surface and positioned proximate to the first end; and    -   a second fastener comprising a second plurality of hooks on the        first surface and positioned proximate to the second end.

-   F. The absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs A-E, wherein the    absorbent article has a crotch width of less than 45mm, according to    the Folded Crotch Width Test herein.

-   G. The absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs A-F, wherein, when    the absorbent article is laid flat, elastic contraction pulled out,    the absorbent article has a length, in a direction parallel to a    central longitudinal axis, of less than 300mm and a width, in a    direction parallel to a central lateral axis, of less than 130mm.

-   H. The absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs A-G, wherein the    absorbent article is free of a discrete landing zone for the first    and second pluralities of hooks.

-   I. The absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs A-H, wherein the    first wetness guard is a discrete component that is joined to a    first portion of the topsheet and/or first portions of the leg    cuffs, and wherein the second wetness guard is a discrete component    that is joined to a second portion of the topsheet and/or second    portions of the leg cuffs.

-   J. The absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs A-I, wherein a    first portion of the first wetness guard is joined to the leg cuffs    and/or the topsheet proximate to the first end edge of the absorbent    article, wherein a second portion of the first wetness guard is    joined to the leg cuffs and/or the topsheet proximate to the first    side edge of the absorbent article, and wherein a third portion of    the first wetness guard is joined to the leg cuffs and/or the    topsheet proximate to the second side edge of the absorbent article.

-   K. The absorbent article of Paragraph J, wherein the first wetness    guard has a first end positioned proximate to the first end edge of    the absorbent article, wherein the first wetness guard has a second    end positioned intermediate the first end edge of the absorbent    article and the central lateral axis, and wherein the second end of    the first wetness guard has at least a portion that is free of    attachment with the topsheet.

-   L. The absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs A-K, wherein a    first portion of the second wetness guard is joined to the leg cuffs    and/or the topsheet proximate to the first end edge of the absorbent    article, wherein a second portion of the second wetness guard is    joined to the leg cuffs and/or the topsheet proximate to the first    side edge of the absorbent article, and wherein a third portion of    the second wetness guard is joined to the leg cuffs and/or the    topsheet proximate to the second side edge of the absorbent article.

-   M. The absorbent article of Paragraph L, wherein the second wetness    guard has a first end positioned proximate to the first end edge of    the absorbent article, wherein the second wetness guard has a second    end positioned intermediate the second end edge of the absorbent    article and the central lateral axis, and wherein the second end of    the second wetness guard has at least a portion that is free of    attachment with the topsheet.

-   N. The absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs A-M, wherein the    removable fastening member comprises a first nonwoven material, a    second nonwoven material, and an elastic material positioned    therebetween.

-   O. The absorbent article of Paragraph N, wherein the elastic    material is apertured.

-   P. The absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs A-O, wherein the    absorbent article has a Crotch Compression Force in the range of    about 0.4N to about 1.5N, according to the Crotch Compression Force    Measurement Test herein.

-   Q. The absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs A-P, wherein each    of the leg cuffs comprises three longitudinally extending fold    lines.

-   R. The absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs A-Q, wherein the    first wetness guard overlaps a first portion of the absorbent core,    and wherein the second wetness guard overlaps a second, different    portion of the absorbent core.

-   S. The absorbent article of any one of Paragraphs A-R, wherein the    absorbent core comprises a core bag enclosing the absorbent    material, and wherein the core bag is generally rectangular.

-   T. A package comprising a plurality of the absorbent articles of any    one of Paragraphs A-S.

Test Methods

For all test methods, condition the samples at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2%relative humidity for 2 hours prior to testing.

Crotch Compression Force Measurement Test

The Crotch Compression Force Measurement Test is measured using ahorizontally oriented constant rate of extension tensile tester (FIGS.46 and 47) with a computer interface (a suitable instrument is ahorizontally oriented MTS Criterion 42 interfaced with a computerrunning TestWorks 4 software, as available from MTS Systems Corp., EdenPrairie, Minn.) using an S-beam type load cell, with moment or off-axisside load cancelling capabilities, for which the forces measured arewithin 10% and 90% of the limit of the cell. Two vertically orientedcylindrical posts (1001 and 1002), each with a diameter of 7.0 mm, areutilized to compress the sample. One post is affixed to the moveablecrosshead (1003), and the other is affixed to a moveable sled (1004) aspart of the stationary test fixture. The absorbent article sample issuspended between the vertical compression posts. The posts are thensimultaneously brought together, compressing the crotch region of thesample, simulating the compression at the crotch region of an absorbentarticle from the legs of the wearer during normal use. During theexperiment the instrument collects force and distance data. All testingis performed in a conditioned room maintained at about 23° C.±2 C andabout 50%±2% relative humidity.

Accurately align the vertical compression posts so that they arevertically parallel to each other and are horizontally aligned along thecentral axis of the instrument's moveable fixture travel path. One postis affixed to the moveable crosshead, and the other is affixed to amoveable sled on the stationary fixture. By way of a pulley and cablesystem (1005), as the crosshead travels toward the stationary fixture itcauses the sled affixed to the stationary fixture to simultaneouslytravel at the same rate toward the crosshead. This allows the twocompression posts to travel in a linear path toward each other duringthe experiment.

Remove the individual samples from any outer packaging, and allow themto precondition at about 23° C.±2 C.° and about 50%±2% relative humidityfor 2 hours prior to testing. Open the sample and secure the middle 50mm of the front and back waist edges to either side of a 25.4 mm widesupport bar, so that the crotch region of the sample is suspended in a“U” shape between the compression posts. The sample is centered betweenthe compression posts and aligned so that the crotch region will belaterally compressed during the experiment. Separate the compressionposts so that the interior gap between them is wide enough to notinitially touch either side of the sample prior to testing. Thesuspended sample is lowered into position for testing, so that thebottom of the crotch region is 15 mm below the top of the compressionposts.

Program the tensile tester to perform a compression test, collectingforce and extension data at an acquisition rate of 50 Hz as thecrosshead travels at a rate of 120 mm/min, which equates to thecompression posts moving toward each other at a rate of 240 mm/min,until the gap between the compression posts is equal to 20 mm. Zero theload cell; start the tensile tester and the data acquisition. Programthe software to record the force when the interior gap between thecompression posts is equal to 20 mm to the nearest 0.001 N. Repeat thisprocedure for 10 substantially similar samples. Average together the 10individual Crotch Compression Force measurements and report the valuenearest 0.001 N.

Opacity Test

Separate the outer cover nonwoven material and backsheet from theabsorbent article samples using cryogenic spray.

Opacity by contrast ratio measurements are made using a 0°/45°spectrophotometer suitable for making standard CIE L*a*b* colormeasurements (e.g., Hunterlab Labscan XE spectrophotometer, HunterAssociates Laboratory Inc., Reston Va. or equivalent). The diameter ofthe instrument's measurement port should be chosen such that only theregion of interest is included within the measurement port. Analyses areperformed in a room controlled at about 23 ° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2%relative humidity.

Calibrate the instrument per the vender instructions using the standardblack and white tiles provided by the vendor. Set the spectrophotometerto use the CIE XYZ color space, with a D65 standard illumination and 10°observer. Using cryogenic spray and scissors carefully excise thespecimen from the article for testing. The region of interest isselected from the crotch region near the longitudinal centerline of thechassis excluding significant wrinkles, creases, or wetness indicators.Place the specimen flat against the instrument with the outward facingsurface toward the spectrophotometer' s measurement port and the regionof interest within the port. Ensure that no tears, holes or aperturesare within the measurement port. Place the white standard tile onto theopposing surface of the specimen such that it completely covers themeasurement port. Take a reading for XYZ and record to 0.01 units.Without moving the specimen, remove the white plate and replace it withthe black standard plate. Take a second reading for XYZ and record to0.01 units. Repeat this procedure at a corresponding site for a total often (10) replicate specimens.

Opacity is calculated by dividing the Y value measured using the blacktile as backing, divided by the Y value measured using the white tile asbacking, then multiplying the ratio by 100. Record the opacity value tothe nearest 0.01%. Calculate opacity for the 10 replicates and reportthe average opacity to the nearest 0.01%.

Folded Crotch Width Test

The Folded Crotch Width (W) (see FIG. 1) is measured by folding anabsorbent article sample so that the front and back waist edges arealigned, and so that corresponding lateral edges are aligned with eachother. Using a calibrated ruler certified by NIST, measure and recordthe lateral width of the outer surface of the sample along the fold tothe nearest 0.1 mm. Repeat this procedure for 10 substantially similarabsorbent articles samples. Average together the 10 individual FoldedCrotch Width (W) measurements and report the value nearest 0.1 mm.

Folded Crotch Angle Test

The Folded Crotch Angle (A) (see FIG. 1) is measured by folding anabsorbent article sample so that the front and back waist edges arealigned, and so that corresponding lateral edges are aligned with eachother. Using a calibrated protractor certified by NIST measure, andrecord the angles (A) of the two angled portions 63 (see FIG. 1) of thesample relative to the lateral axis of the folded sample to the nearest0.1 degrees. Repeat this procedure for 10 substantially similarabsorbent article samples. Average together the 20 individual FoldedCrotch Angle (A) measurements and report the value nearest 0.1 degrees.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany embodiment disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such embodiment. Further, to the extent that any meaningor definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It istherefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An absorbent article comprising: a liquidpermeable topsheet; a liquid impermeable backsheet; an absorbent corepositioned at least partially intermediate the liquid permeable topsheetand the liquid impermeable backsheet; a first waist region; a secondwaist region; a crotch region extending intermediate the first waistregion and the second waist region; an outer cover nonwoven materialjoined to the backsheet and forming a portion of a garment-facingsurface of the absorbent article; a pair of leg cuffs; a first fullyremovable fastening member comprising: a first nonwoven materialcomprising a first surface; a second nonwoven material comprising asecond surface opposite to the first surface; a first elastic materialpositioned intermediate the first nonwoven material and the secondnonwoven material; a first end; a second end opposite to the first end;a first fastener on the first surface and positioned proximate to thefirst end, wherein the first fastener comprises a first plurality ofhooks; and a second fastener on the first surface and positionedproximate to the second end, wherein the second fastener comprises asecond plurality of hooks; and a second fully removable fastening membercomprising: a third nonwoven material comprising a first surface; afourth nonwoven material comprising a second surface opposite to thefirst surface; a second elastic material positioned intermediate thethird nonwoven material and the fourth nonwoven material; a first end; asecond end opposite to the first end; a third fastener on the firstsurface of the third nonwoven material and positioned proximate to thefirst end, wherein the third fastener comprises a third plurality ofhooks; and a fourth fastener on the first surface of the third nonwovenmaterial and positioned proximate to the second end, wherein the fourthfastener comprises a fourth plurality of hooks; wherein the absorbentarticle has a length in a direction parallel to a central longitudinalaxis of the absorbent article of less than 400 mm, but greater than 100mm; and wherein the absorbent article has a width in a directionparallel to a central lateral axis of the absorbent article of less than200 mm, but greater than 50 mm.
 2. An absorbent article comprising: aliquid permeable topsheet; a liquid impermeable backsheet; an absorbentcore positioned at least partially intermediate the liquid permeabletopsheet and the liquid impermeable backsheet; a first waist region; asecond waist region; a crotch region extending intermediate the firstwaist region and the second waist region; an outer cover nonwovenmaterial joined to the backsheet and forming a portion of agarment-facing surface of the absorbent article; a pair of leg cuffs; afirst fully removable fastening member comprising: a first nonwovenmaterial comprising a first surface; a second nonwoven materialcomprising a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first end;a second end opposite to the first end; a first fastener on the firstsurface and positioned proximate to the first end; and a second fasteneron the first surface and positioned proximate to the second end; and asecond fully removable fastening member comprising: a third nonwovenmaterial comprising a first surface; a fourth nonwoven materialcomprising a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first end;a second end opposite to the first end; a third fastener on the firstsurface of the third nonwoven material and positioned proximate to thefirst end; and a fourth fastener on the first surface of the thirdnonwoven material and positioned proximate to the second end.
 3. Theabsorbent article of claim 2, comprising a first elastic materialpositioned intermediate the first nonwoven material and the secondnonwoven material.
 4. The absorbent article of claim 3, comprising asecond elastic material positioned intermediate the third nonwovenmaterial and the fourth nonwoven material.
 5. The absorbent article ofclaim 4, wherein the absorbent article has a length in a directionparallel to a central longitudinal axis of the absorbent article of lessthan 400 mm, but greater than 100 mm.
 6. The absorbent article of claim4, wherein the absorbent article has a length in a direction parallel toa central longitudinal axis of the absorbent article of less than 300mm, but greater than 100 mm.
 7. The absorbent article of claim 5,wherein the absorbent article has a width in a direction parallel to acentral lateral axis of the absorbent article of less than 200 mm, butgreater than 50 mm.
 8. The absorbent article of claim 5, wherein theabsorbent article has a width in a direction parallel to a centrallateral axis of the absorbent article of less than 150 mm, but greaterthan 50 mm.
 9. The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein the firstfastener comprises a first plurality of hooks, wherein the secondfastener comprises a second plurality of hooks, wherein the thirdfastener comprises a third plurality of hooks, and wherein the fourthfastener comprises a fourth plurality of hooks.
 10. The absorbentarticle of claim 2, wherein the absorbent article has a CrotchCompression Force in the range of about 0.4N to about 1.5N, according tothe Crotch Compression Force Measurement Test.
 11. The absorbent articleof claim 2, wherein the absorbent article has a Crotch Compression Forcein the range of about 0.4N to about 2.5N, according to the CrotchCompression Force Measurement Test.
 12. The absorbent article of claim2, wherein the first fully removable fastener has a length and a width,and wherein the length has a dimension that is greater than a dimensionof the width.
 13. The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein the firstfully removable fastening member has a first side edge, a secondopposing side edge, a first end edge, and a second end edge, and whereinthe first fastener is spaced apart from the first side edge and thesecond side edge.
 14. The absorbent article of claim 13, wherein thesecond fastener is spaced apart from the first side edge and the secondside edge.
 15. The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein the first fullyremovable fastening member defines a slot or aperture intermediate thefirst fastener and the second fastener.
 16. An absorbent articlecomprising: a liquid permeable topsheet; a liquid impermeable backsheet;an absorbent core positioned at least partially intermediate the liquidpermeable topsheet and the liquid impermeable backsheet; a first waistregion; a second waist region; a crotch region extending intermediatethe first waist region and the second waist region; an outer covernonwoven material joined to the backsheet and forming a portion of agarment-facing surface of the absorbent article; a pair of leg cuffs; afirst fully removable fastening member comprising: a first nonwovenmaterial comprising a first surface; a second nonwoven materialcomprising a second surface opposite to the first surface; a firstelastic material positioned intermediate the first nonwoven material andthe second nonwoven material; a first end; a second end opposite to thefirst end; a first fastener on the first surface and positionedproximate to the first end; and a second fastener on the first surfaceand positioned proximate to the second end; and a second fully removablefastening member comprising: a third nonwoven material comprising afirst surface; a fourth nonwoven material comprising a second surfaceopposite to the first surface; a second elastic material positionedintermediate the third nonwoven material and the fourth nonwovenmaterial; a first end; a second end opposite to the first end; a thirdfastener on the first surface of the third nonwoven material andpositioned proximate to the first end; and a fourth fastener on thefirst surface of the third nonwoven material and positioned proximate tothe second end; wherein the absorbent article has a length in adirection parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the absorbentarticle of less than 400 mm, but greater than 100 mm; and wherein theabsorbent article has a width in a direction parallel to a centrallateral axis of the absorbent article of less than 200 mm, but greaterthan 50 mm.
 17. The absorbent article of claim 16, wherein the absorbentarticle has a length in a direction parallel to a central longitudinalaxis of the absorbent article of less than 300 mm, but greater than 100mm.
 18. The absorbent article of claim 16, wherein the absorbent articlehas a width in a direction parallel to a central lateral axis of theabsorbent article of less than 150 mm, but greater than 50 mm.
 19. Theabsorbent article of claim 16, wherein the first fastener comprises afirst plurality of hooks, wherein the second fastener comprises a secondplurality of hooks, wherein the third fastener comprises a thirdplurality of hooks, and wherein the fourth fastener comprises a fourthplurality of hooks.
 20. The absorbent article of claim 16, wherein theabsorbent article has a Crotch Compression Force in the range of about0.4N to about 2.5N, according to the Crotch Compression ForceMeasurement Test.